BMW and the RFU launch the BMW Performance Academy

BMW and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) today announced a ground-breaking partnership to develop the future talent of English rugby - the BMW Performance Academy which will be part of the RFU National Academy Programme.

An initial pool of more than 30 players has been selected by the England coaches for the BMW Performance Academyfrom across the existing elite age-grade development programme (U16, U18 and U20), and those aged over 20 close to breaking into the senior squad.

Based on their considered potential to graduate to the elite England team, members of the BMW Performance Academy will receive tailored support to help them progress. The player, club coach and the RFU will work together to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to ensure that the key skills required for that particular individual are specially developed. The close relationship with the club coach in the development of this plan is very important to its success and a vital component to ensure a consistent training approach.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster, who has overseen the development of English players over the last four years in his role as RFU Head of Elite Player Development, said: “The BMW Performance Academy will help equip our promising young players with the skills needed to succeed at the highest level. We’re working hard in conjunction with their club coaches to give them the individual support they need both on and off the pitch as we work towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and beyond.”

In addition, this innovative partnership will see BMW, the official vehicle supplier to England Rugby, working with the RFU to bring specific expertise using its people, facilities and knowledge to provide a programme including:

1.     Personal Development Training

Home to BMW Group UK’s own internal staff training programme, its facility at Wokefield Park, near Reading, provides modules that will be adapted specifically for young players, including personal management, team work, leadership, innovation and resilience. This will include specific elements run by members of the BMW Executive Board drawing parallels between attitudes needed to succeed in sport and work.

2.     BMW Ambassador Mentors

BMW will facilitate the sharing of expertise and skills held by the array of BMW ambassadors, Olympians, TV personalities and industry leaders to impart knowledge to Academy members on a range of topics, starting with London 2012 gymnast Louis Smith on the art of “Coping with Pressure.”

3.     Responsible driving training

BMW will support players with high-level training in safe and responsible driving. For those under 17, BMW will offer access to the BMW Young Driver Programme which trains children aged 12 and upwards to drive in an entirely safe environment.

4.     Work experience

BMW will offer members of the new Academy a variety of work experience opportunities across its factories, dealerships and other businesses in the UK, to help deliver wider life skills.

Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group UK, said: “This partnership with the RFU is an exciting next step in our sports involvement after London 2012. I am delighted that the creation of the BMW Performance Academy will truly help to nurture and develop the England rugby stars of the future. We are determined to use the people, facilities and knowledge at our disposal to help make a tangible difference to English rugby.

“It will be a proud day for us all when our first graduate wins his England cap and we hope even represents his country at a Rugby World Cup.”

Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU chief Commercial Officer, said: “This is an exciting long-term partnership that will see BMW invest across the game, from the age grade sides to the England elite squad. BMW is already bringing innovative ideas on how to share its expertise from the worlds of sport and business, to benefit the future of the English rugby.”

ENDS  

The BMW Group and the RFU

BMW Group UK is the Official Vehicle Partner for the RFU and England Rugby in an exciting new partnership that began on September 1, 2012. BMW Group UK’s groundbreaking partnership will see a commitment to develop the various levels of the elite game through an integrated programme to develop the future of England Rugby. As a key element, BMW Group UK is Official Partner of England’s elite age grade development programme and front of shirt sponsors of the England Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 squads.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles  and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 29 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2011, the BMW Group sold about 1.67 million cars and more than 113,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2011 was euro 7.38 billion on revenues amounting to euro 68.82 billion. At 31 December 2011, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

For further information please contact:

Angela Stangroom              Group Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480283             Email: Angela.Stangroom@bmw.co.uk

Mob: 07740 740425

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109            Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Main office number:            01344 480320

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk

Customer website:              www.bmw.co.uk