Cambridge Rugby is proud to announce the launch of an enhanced 1923 Academy ahead of the 2025/26 season — a key step in developing the next generation of elite players which creates a clear, structured pathway to 1st XV rugby.
The 1923 Academy is named in honour of the year the Club was founded, with the original academy launched during Cambridge Rugby’s centenary season in 2023. This legacy continues with a renewed focus on elite player development and a long-term vision to produce homegrown talent for the Club’s senior sides.
As part of this enhanced offering, the Club will deliver an elite development programme for talented players identified between the ages of 14 and 18. The programme will offer high-performance training, expert coaching, strength and conditioning, nutrition advice, and individual performance analysis — all designed to support and accelerate the growth of young players.
Building on the Club’s proud heritage and commitment to nurturing talent, the 1923 Academy bridges the gap between age-group rugby and senior-level competition — giving players the tools and environment needed to thrive at the top level.
“Our vision is to develop homegrown talent capable of making an impact in the 1st XV and beyond,” said Rowland Winter, Chief Operating Officer.
“The 1923 Academy is more than a development programme — it’s a launchpad for future stars of Cambridge Rugby.”
“Throughout next season we have academy fixtures scheduled for the Under 18, Under 19, and Under 23 age groups, providing a higher level of exposure and genuine stepping stones to the 1st XV.”
“We welcome interest from all the talented players across the region, who want an opportunity to develop. Over the next few months, we will contract a number of players who will be aged between Under 19 to 23 next season, who will then train as part of the 1st XV and begin their tailored development programmes.”
This Saturday 12th April, a team of talented Under 18s, including many of our promising Colts, have been assembled to form a 1923 Academy team to take on The Lambs with a 4.30pm KO. This will follow an action-packed day of rugby, with tickets available here.
To register your interest in the 1923 Academy, please complete the form here or contact Josh Sharp, new Academy & Pathways Manager at Josh.Sharp@crufc.co.uk