Competition Phase Begins — High-Level Fixtures Announced

ERA's Competition Phase is now underway. From March through to May 2026, all squads across ERA's 8 academy locations will be competing in high-level fixtures against other elite development programmes, county sides, and representative teams.

The Competition Phase is the second of ERA's three programme phases, following the Training Phase (September–February) and leading into the Showcase Phase (June–July). It is designed to test everything players have developed during the winter — under pressure, against quality opposition, in front of coaches and selectors.

What the Competition Phase Looks Like

• —Monthly high-level fixtures against elite development programmes
• —Video analysis sessions following each fixture
• —Individual performance reviews for all ERA players
• —Selection for ERA representative squads based on Competition Phase performances
• —Preparation for the State of Origin Tournament (30th May, Wasps FC Acton)

"The Competition Phase is where the work done in training gets tested. It's not enough to look good in training — ERA players need to perform when it matters. That's what prepares them for the next level."

— Nash Cohen, Founder & Director of Rugby

Fixture schedules for each location are available from your academy coach. All ERA players should ensure they are available for scheduled fixtures and have communicated any conflicts to their coach in advance.