NZIRP Overview

The NZIRP is a New Zealand based international rugby academy/programme for individual players, set in a team environment. It is a unique model that focuses on achieving both high performance rugby and academic success. It combines rugby and education on a daily basis, including playing as part of the IPC Rugby Colts team or other local club Senior team during the provincial competition season. There are two intakes each year, January and March. The programme is for eleven months, including breaks. Overseas applications are welcome and encouraged.

For NZ applicants, there are funding options available through Studylink, community grants and other government agencies (re: FAQ page). The Diploma of International Sports Studies is the main area of study and programme qualification that student-players can complete over the eleven months period. Opportunities and pathways at all levels of rugby are available to those in the programme.

The IPC Tertiary Institute is based in Palmerston North. Established in 1990, IPC was the first private tertiary institution based in New Zealand. At the park-like campus there are students from over 20 different countries. It has national and internationally recognised tertiary programmes that are fully accredited by the NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA), e.g. Bachelor of International Studies (business, environment, language, politics), Diploma of International Sports Studies, Japanese Studies or Language. IPC has high quality hostel, dining, medical, sporting and educational facilities.

The NZIRP is the foundation for IPC Rugby. Graduates will be extremely well placed to achieve further success not only as rugby players but qualified to undertake further study at IPC or work in the sport and fitness industry, or other area related to their study.

The Managing Director of NZIRP and Director of IPC Rugby is Sean Bristow (Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education), a qualified teacher; with experience in marketing and business. He has coached at high school, club and representative levels and is an accomplished rugby player in NZ, as well as a professional player in France for eight years.

The major providers to the NZIRP are of the highest calibre. IPC has major links to their network of organisations and contacts in Japan, including their sister university IPU (International Pacific University), in Okayama. 

The International Rugby Academy of New Zealand (IRANZ) is a short course High Performance provider, offering their renowned rugby expertise to the  NZIRP and the individual players who choose to use it. They are highly regarded, with a broad national and international network of contacts as well as direct links to their organisations in South Africa, USA, UK and Europe.

The Focus

High performance rugby and tertiary-based education in a team environment, for individual players considering a representative/professional rugby career in NZ or overseas.

Provides

  • a unique and parallel opportunity to advance a player’s rugby and academic performance to the highest level, in an international environment.
  • an opportunity to complete a Diploma of International Sports Studies or other area of tertiary study, in daily combination with high performance rugby.
  • the capacity to complete the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) University Entrance (UE) qualification, recognised in NZ and overseas, in daily combination with high performance rugby.
  • an opportunity to play in a Premier Colts (under 21 years) provincial competition, as a NZIRP group and IPC team member or Senior player for a local club.
  • opportunities for advancement along alternative and exciting pathways to academic and rugby success.

Develops

On a daily basis, the programme develops skills to achieve balance and success in all aspects of playing, training and studying/working, including positive personal and professional values.