IRANZ Launches Southwest USA Academy in Phoenix

06.12.2026Int'l News, Camps and Clinics

Wayne Taylor, Sean O'Leary, Scott Mead, and Adolfo Sanchez with IRANZ Southwest USA.

Author: Press Release

Phoenix, Ariz. — International Rugby Academy–Southwest USA (IRANZ SW USA) is launching the launch of its elite rugby development initiative designed to provide athletes throughout Arizona, the Southwest United States, and beyond with access to world-class coaching, international development opportunities, and high-performance training
pathways.

The inaugural International Rugby Academy–Southwest USA High-Performance Camp will take place June 15–19, 2026, at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, bringing together aspiring athletes and internationally respected coaches in a first-of-its-kind rugby development experience for the region.

The initiative is led by Wayne Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of International Rugby Academy New Zealand (IRANZ), Scott Mead, General Manager of IRANZ SW USA, and Adolfo Sanchez, Director of Rugby for IRANZ SW USA.

Together, the leadership team brings decades of experience as players, coaches, administrators, and rugby development professionals dedicated to creating opportunities for athletes throughout the Southwest.

Founded in New Zealand and celebrating its 25th anniversary, International Rugby Academy New Zealand has developed players and coaches from more than 40 countries and is widely recognized as one of the world's premier rugby development organizations.

The launch comes at a pivotal time for rugby in the United States as the nation prepares to host the Men's Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2033.

"This initiative is about much more than a camp," said Mead. "Our vision is to create a sustainable development pathway that connects athletes to world-class coaching, international experiences, and opportunities that will help them reach their highest potential both on and off the field."

Hosted by Grand Canyon University, participants will engage in a comprehensive development curriculum focused on:

• Elite rugby skills and game understanding
• High-performance mindset and leadership development
• Strength and conditioning
• Contact skills, grappling, and movement development

The camp will be delivered by international coaches and former elite players who will provide participants with the tools, habits, and standards necessary to compete at the highest levels of the game.

"We wanted to align with an organization that shares our commitment to excellence and athlete development," said Sean O'Leary, Director of Rugby and Men's Head Coach at Grand Canyon University. "With rugby entering an exciting period of growth in the United States, this type of programming is exactly what athletes need to accelerate their development and prepare for future opportunities."

Taylor believes the Southwest region is uniquely positioned to contribute to the future
growth of rugby in America.

"The next five years present a tremendous opportunity for rugby in the United States," said Taylor. "Our mission is to maximize the potential of athletes, coaches, and organizations while creating meaningful pathways that allow individuals to pursue excellence and achieve success both within rugby and beyond."

For Sanchez, the initiative represents a significant step forward for the rugby community
throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

"For many years, we've discussed the possibilities for rugby in our region," said Sanchez. "Today, we are taking action. This partnership provides athletes with access to international expertise, elite development opportunities, and experiences that can help shape their future both as players and as leaders."

The June camp represents the first stage of a year-round development pathway that will include future camps, advanced athlete identification opportunities, coach development programming, and international experiences.

International Rugby Academy – Southwest USA will also collaborate with the Dual Pathway Initiative Foundation, whose mission focuses on athlete safety, athletic development, leadership growth, and creating expanded opportunities through sport.

Athletes, coaches, schools, clubs, universities, municipalities, sponsors, and community partners are invited to join this growing movement as rugby enters a transformative era in the United States.