Saints Academy U18 Sevens Tour to New Zealand

Project Overview

The Challenge

Saints Academy identified a talented group of U18 rugby players ready for international competition. The objective was to provide a professional overseas tour that supported player development while operating within budget and limited staffing resources.

• Limited budget requiring careful financial planning.
• Complex travel, accommodation and transport logistics.
• Limited staff available to manage operational activities.
• Need to deliver a meaningful player development experience.

The Solution

Gervase Consulting managed the complete tour lifecycle, allowing Academy staff to concentrate on coaching while every operational requirement was professionally delivered.

Player Logistics & Coordination

• Player identification and selection support
• Passport and visa verification
• Travel documentation management
• Medical and consent form collection

Travel & Accommodation

• International flight bookings
• Accommodation selection and booking
• Ground transport coordination
• Meal planning for high-performance athletes

On-Ground Management

• Tournament registration and scheduling
• Liaison with tournament organisers
• Daily communication with parents and stakeholders

Team Culture Development

• Pre-tour culture workshop
• Sweep the Sheds – ownership and humility.
• Pressure is a Privilege – embracing challenges.
• Leave the Jersey in a Better Place – creating a lasting legacy.

Documentation & Content

• Player content brief
• Daily social media management
• Post-tour review and recommendations

The Results

The Legacy

The project created a repeatable framework for future international tours. Strong systems, documentation, team culture, and effective communication contributed to long-term operational success and positioned the Academy as a credible international pathway programme.

• Documented systems for future tours.
• Improved team culture before departure.
• Marketing content for attracting future players.
• Long-term trust with the client.

Why This Matters

International sports programmes require experienced planning, logistics, compliance, communication, and culture development. Professional tour management allows coaches to focus on developing athletes while every operational detail is handled efficiently.

Key Takeaway

This project demonstrates how professional sports management transforms complex international tours into successful athlete development experiences while creating long-term value for sporting organisations.