Toyota Academy

TOYOTA ACADEMY

Every South African rugby player dream of breaking into the first team of one of the biggest franchises and someday representing the Springboks. But donning the green and gold jersey is the destination of an arduous journey that starts at a very young age. Schoolboy rugby is the coliseum where young gladiators must hone their skills, test their raw talent against the best, and make a name for themselves. 

The Toyota Cheetahs established the Toyota Cheetahs Academy in January 2017, and since its inception, they have seen over 31 Academy players receive contracts for the Toyota Cheetahs franchise rugby team.

The Toyota Cheetahs Academy was established as a development centre, focusing on the position-specific and individual development of the players.  

During the players' years at the Academy, they are introduced to the Cheetahs’ style of play, coaching philosophies, and culture of the Cheetahs, essentially assisting them in their transition from the junior ranks to senior rugby.

Specialist coaches from the senior team are employed within academy structures to ensure consistency and continuity throughout all the Cheetah teams. This assists the players in their transition into senior rugby. 

Toyota Academy - Breeding Ground of Opportunity

Recent Academy Achievements:

- Ox Nche, Joseph Dweba and Jasper Wiese capped as Springboks in 2021

- Lubabalo Dubela and Darren Adonis capped as Blitzboks in 2021

- Cohan Jasper - Vasity Cup Player of the Year 2021

- George Cronje - SA u.20 Captain in 2021

- Number of young potential Springboks in the system

The Toyota Cheetahs Academy was established in January 2007.  

Since its inception, we have seen no less than 68 Academy players receive contracts for the Toyota Cheetahs senior rugby team and six players going on being selected for the Springboks. 

The Toyota Cheetahs Academy was established as a development centre, focusing on position-specific and individual development of the players.  

During the players' years at the Academy, they are introduced to the Cheetahs’ style of play, coaching philosophies, and culture of the Cheetahs, essentially assisting them in their transition from the junior ranks to senior rugby. 

Specialist coaches from the senior team are employed within academy structures to ensure consistency and continuity throughout all the Cheetah teams. This assists the players in their transition into senior rugby. 

Another reason for the success of the Academy is the high coach-to-player ratio of 5 coaches, equating to one coach for every ten players. 

The future of the Toyota Cheetahs are in good hands - check us out on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/iuwpBfEdYBA

Open Learning Group 

The Open Learning Group will tell you about accredited learning opportunities and how to kick-start your career!

Open to everybody - even if you don’t play rugby!

Study online with the Open Learning Group -Click here for everything you need. 

ACADEMIC HIGH-PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME

A very big emphasis is put on the holistic development of players. 

The University of the Free State, the Central University of Technology and other entities like UXI Sport, CTU Training Solutions etc., are used as private tertiary education providers where Toyota Academy students can gain a higher education while being part of the Toyota Academy. 

For this reason, a student will be developed both as a rugby athlete and for a career after rugby.  

Unique pathways will be created to ensure the employability of rugby athletes, such as:

• Coaching
• Data and Game Analysis
• Referee
• Club management and administration
• Event Management 

RUGBY PROGRAM

INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

Boksmart education

World Rugby Coaching education

Referee education and introduction

Media education (Communication)

Coding and analysing the game

Exposure to the Cheetah way of play introduced by top coaches and senior players

Developing position-specific skills

Introduce, install and develop good habits and skills in defence, attack, breakdowns, contact situation and conditioning

Strength and Conditioning in line with Toyota Free State Cheetahs

High-Performance Programme

Nutritional, dietary, supplementation education and implementation

Medical and physiotherapy support

RUGBY HIGH-PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME

The programme aims to develop the player on and off the field.  The strength and conditioning program is developed and powerful.  Strength and Conditioning are also position-specific and relevant to each position.

The Cheetah way of play is implemented from junior rugby, and the transition into senior rugby is a smooth process.  The on-field language and habits are installed at a junior level.

PLAY EXPERIENCE

The players will be eligible for the Toyota Free State u.21 side, and we have standing agreements with our neighbour Unions, the Griquas and Griffons, where they can play in the u.20 Currie Cup for the respective teams. 

The players will also play in the Cheetah u.19 competition held in the first part of the year between several clubs and schools.

The players will also be eligible for Toyota Free State u.19 team that takes part in the National u.19 Tournament.