World-Class Coaching, Lasting Impact: Reign Rugby Academy Hosts Historic All Blacks Clinic in New Orleans

This summer, Reign Rugby Academy welcomed more than 60 young athletes from across the country to New Orleans for the inaugural All Blacks Clinic—an unforgettable week of learning, growth, and inspiration led by some of rugby's most accomplished players and coaches.

Hosted on the campus of the LSU New Orleans, the five-day experience brought together athletes of all backgrounds and skill levels to train with former All Blacks hooker Nathan Harris, Black Fern legend Kendra Cocksedge, and an outstanding international coaching staff committed to developing not only better rugby players, but better people.

While athletes spent countless hours refining their passing, tackling, kicking, decision-making, and game awareness, the clinic focused just as heavily on character development. Each day centered around a value that challenged participants to think beyond the game.

The week began with "Be Welcoming," reminding athletes that every person belongs, regardless of experience or where they come from. It continued with "Be Inspired or Be Inspiring," encouraging players to learn from those around them while recognizing the impact they can have on others. Midweek, athletes embraced "Be Your Best," learning that excellence comes from consistently doing the little things right, both on and off the field. The clinic concluded with "Perform," challenging every athlete to apply what they had learned when it mattered most.

One of the most powerful lessons of the week came from Coach Nathan Harris, who reminded athletes that success is built one decision at a time.

"Every action is a crumb," he shared. "Those crumbs can become rubbish—or they can become a cake. The choice is yours."

That message quickly became part of the culture of the camp. Athletes were encouraged to celebrate the small victories: pushing in a chair, picking up trash, encouraging a teammate, helping someone who was struggling, and giving maximum effort in every drill. Those seemingly small actions combined to create something much bigger.

Throughout the week, athletes from different states, clubs, schools, and age groups came together as one team. Older players mentored younger athletes, experienced players encouraged beginners, and friendships formed that crossed state lines and backgrounds.

Each day brought visible improvement. Skills sharpened, confidence grew, and players embraced challenges that many had never attempted before. Coaches noted that the amount of learning packed into five days often equaled what athletes might normally experience over an entire month of training.

The week also celebrated the traditions and culture of New Zealand rugby. Athletes learned the meaning and purpose behind the Haka before proudly performing it together prior to the clinic's closing matches, demonstrating not only power and intensity but also respect, unity, and pride.

For Reign Rugby Academy, the success of the clinic extends far beyond what happened on the field.

"This week showed exactly what rugby can be," said Alexandre Maumont, Chief Executive Officer of Reign Rugby Academy. "When you bring together world-class coaches, incredible role models, and young athletes who are eager to learn, amazing things happen. The skills they developed are important, but the lessons about leadership, respect, resilience, and serving others are what they'll carry with them long after the final whistle."

The All Blacks Clinic represented another milestone in Reign Rugby Academy's mission to grow the game throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South while providing life-changing opportunities for young athletes. As the organization continues expanding its programs and partnerships, this inaugural clinic has set a new standard for what youth rugby experiences can look like in New Orleans.

For every athlete who attended, the week ended with stronger rugby skills, lifelong memories, and a renewed understanding that success is measured not only by how you play the game—but by the person you become because of it.