ERA Expands to Durham, Brighton and Colchester for the 2026/27 Season

Elite Rugby Academy is expanding. For the 2026/27 season — beginning in September 2026 — ERA will open three new academy locations: Durham, Brighton and Colchester. Each location has been chosen deliberately, with world-class facilities, strong local rugby communities, and a clear commitment to developing the next generation of elite players.

The expansion reflects ERA's continued growth as the leading independent development pathway in English rugby, and a commitment to making elite environments accessible to talented players across the country — not just in London.

"This isn't growth for the sake of it. Every location we open has to meet the standard. Durham, Brighton and Colchester all do that — world-class facilities, strong rugby communities, and real pathway opportunities for the players who come through. We're building something national now, and these three locations are a major part of that."

— Nash Cohen, Founder & Director of Rugby, Elite Rugby Academy

Durham — Girls Only Academy at Maiden Castle

ERA Durham will be a Girls Only academy, based at Durham University's Maiden Castle — the Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle. This is one of the most impressive sports facilities in the country: a 12-court sports hall with seating for 2,000 spectators, a full athletics track, multiple grass and artificial rugby pitches, a gym, and a dedicated strength and conditioning suite. Durham University is one of the UK's top rugby universities, and the facility reflects that status.

Women's rugby in the North East is underserved at the development level, and ERA sees a significant opportunity to build something special for female players in the region — a structured, year-round programme with access to elite coaching and real pathway opportunities into the PWR, university rugby, and the England pathway.

A pre-trial camp for Durham is now open for registration, giving players in the region the chance to experience ERA's coaching environment ahead of the formal trials in July. This is the best way to prepare — and to be seen by the coaching team before places are allocated.

Brighton — Cardinal Newman

ERA Brighton will be based at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hove — one of the most rugby-active schools in the South East and home to the Newman Rugby Academy, an established ACE (Academy of College Excellence) programme competing at the highest level of college rugby in England. The site features a 3G artificial pitch and strong rugby infrastructure, with a school culture that has produced players who have gone on to Premiership academies and university programmes.

Partnering with a venue that already runs an elite rugby programme is a significant advantage. ERA Brighton players will benefit from a facility and environment that understands what high-performance development looks like — and from being part of a wider rugby community that is already producing results.

A pre-trial camp for Brighton is now open for registration, giving players across Sussex, Surrey and the South East the chance to experience ERA's coaching environment ahead of the formal trials in July.

Colchester — Colchester RFC

ERA Colchester will be based at Colchester RFC's home ground at Raven Park, part of the Northern Sports Park on Cuckoo Farm Way. The club relocated to this modern facility in 2020, and it is one of the best club rugby venues in the East of England — featuring two AGP pitches, seven grass pitches, a state-of-the-art clubhouse with a covered balcony overlooking the main pitch, and full strength and conditioning facilities.

Colchester RFC is a club with strong community roots and a genuine commitment to player development. Partnering with them gives ERA a base in Essex that opens the pathway to players across Colchester, Ipswich, Chelmsford and the wider East Anglian region — an area with significant untapped talent.

Players from across Essex and East Anglia are encouraged to register their interest for the Colchester trials in July 2026 — a chance to experience ERA's coaching methodology and earn a place in the programme from its first season.

"These three locations are a real statement of where ERA is heading. Durham, Brighton and Colchester each bring something different — world-class facilities, strong rugby communities, and players who have never had access to this level of programme before. That is exactly the kind of environment we build for. The pathway needs to reach further, and now it does."

— Bryony Cleall, Elite Rugby Academy Coach

Trials in July 2026 — How to Get Involved

Trials for all three new locations will be held in July 2026. Places are limited — each squad is capped at 30 players per year group. Pre-trial camps for Durham and Brighton are now open for registration and are the best way to prepare, get seen by the coaching team, and secure your place in the programme ahead of the formal trial process.

• —Durham (Girls Only) — Pre-trial camp open for registration. Trials: July 2026. Programme starts: September 2026.
• —Brighton — Pre-trial camp open for registration. Trials: July 2026. Programme starts: September 2026.
• —Colchester — Trials: July 2026. Programme starts: September 2026.

If you are a player aged U13–U16 based in Durham, Brighton, Hove, Colchester, Ipswich, Chelmsford or the surrounding areas — or a parent looking for a serious development pathway for your child — now is the time to register your interest.