23 October 1997 Christchurch bid for national Rugby High Performance Centre

Christchurch may become home to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union's High Performance Centre if a bid by Lincoln University is successful.

The NZRFU called for applications recently from organisations which could provide a mix of infra-structural facilities and educational services to facilitate the establishment of a permanent High Performance Centre.

In addition to establishing a base for its successful Rugby Academy programme, the Union intends to use the Centre for all national coaching, player and referee development clinics, plus providing a game editing and analysis unit, a physical assessment and injury rehabilitation laboratory.

As the home of New Zealand Cricket's High Performance Centre, Lincoln University is considered a front-runner amongst more than half a dozen applicants.

"Lincoln University's active participation with New Zealand Cricket in the establishment of the HPC has given the University a demonstrated capability in being a high performance sports partner," said Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor, Frank Wood.

''We believe that the experience gained in launching this country's first live-in, full-time high performance sports academy should be seen as giving Lincoln University a distinct advantage,'' said Dr Wood.

"The potential also exists for developing synergistic activities between rugby and cricket, including access to facilities and customised academic and support programmes."

In announcing plans for the High Performance Centre, the NZRFU said that a priority of its rugby academy programme was to ensure that elite players were equipped to achieve success beyond their playing careers.

Proposals for tertiary education and career development activities will, therefore, play an important role in the Union's decision.

"The partnership the NZRFU seeks includes the opportunity to work with the university to tailor courses which meet the specific needs and professional demands of rugby players, coaches and referees," said NZRFU Chief Executive Office, David Moffett.

If successful, Lincoln University would develop a dedicated rugby precinct on the campus, with living, training and playing facilities all adjacent.

The University is proposing to utilise its leadership in sport, recreation management and exercise science programmes to enhance the educational opportunities for Academy participants. The University's Professional Studies School may also design and deliver programmes to meet NZRFU specifications.

The University already has a well-established reputation with a number of national sporting bodies, having hosted New Zealand Netball and New Zealand Rugby League training camps on the campus.

Lincoln University's bid is supported by New Zealand Cricket and by Christchurch Mayor, Vicki Buck.

A number of tertiary education organisations from throughout the country have submitted bids to the NZRFU, which plans to short-list applicants by the end of the year and then to conduct in-depth interviews and site-visits. It is envisaged that any construction work, or modification works on existing buildings, will be made in 1998, in time for the Centre to be opened and fully operational in 1999.

Peter Dwan, Director of Community Relations, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand