Miami University

Oxford, Ohio

2025

Highlights

Miami’s coaching staff gained new clarity and direction, using the Crusaders Global Academy’s methods to sharpen sessions and enhance long-term player development.

The collaboration exposed players to Southern Hemisphere rugby techniques, boosting confidence, rugby IQ, and elite-level skill development.

Coaches integrated new tactics and coaching methods from Grant Keenan, influencing program culture, competitive mindset, and future recruitment potential.

Unlocking Potential Through Crusaders Training

Overview

Miami University Men’s Rugby is a growing collegiate program dedicated to building strong fundamentals, high-performance habits, and a sustainable competitive culture. In 2025, the team partnered with Crusaders Global Academy, bringing Grant Keenan to Oxford, Ohio for a concentrated 4-day skills and development camp. This collaboration provided players and coaches with exposure to professional-level coaching and international rugby perspectives, helping unlock their potential on and off the field.

The Challenge

While Miami University has a dedicated team and committed players, the program sought to:

‍

Strengthen foundational rugby skills, particularly ball-handling, decision-making, and tactical awareness.
Elevate player confidence and instill a more structured, high-performance training culture.
Expose players and coaches to coaching methods and rugby philosophies from elite international programs.
Create a unique opportunity that could support recruitment, retention, and long-term program growth.

‍

The Partnership Approach

Crusaders Global Academy supported Miami University through an intensive 4-day on-campus camp led exclusively by Grant Keenan. The program combined detailed technical coaching with practical field sessions and skill repetition, focusing on core ball-handling, breakdown, and positional skills, while also developing high-performance habits, mindset, and confidence. Players gained tactical insights from Southern Hemisphere rugby, broadening their understanding beyond traditional American styles, and Miami’s coaching staff received one-on-one mentorship from Grant to integrate new methods and strategies into ongoing team training. The program provided athletes and coaches with a first-hand experience of professional-level coaching, inspiring both to elevate their standards and training intensity.

‍

‍Key Outcomes

Enhanced Skills & Confidence: Players developed stronger ball-handling skills and gained confidence practicing at an elite level.
Coaching Development: Miami coaching staff adopted Crusaders-inspired tactics, improving program structure, game strategies, and practice efficiency.
Cultural & Competitive Growth: Exposure to international rugby perspectives instilled a stronger competitive mindset, encouraged elite-level habits, and inspired future recruitment opportunities.

Results

Although early in the partnership, the 4-day camp delivered measurable improvements in player performance, training intensity, and rugby IQ. Coaches report that the exposure to Crusaders’ systems and philosophies has already influenced team culture and practice effectiveness, while players left with greater confidence and motivation.

‍

Looking ahead, Miami University plans to continue this partnership annually, using it to attract talent, build program momentum, and further integrate high-performance training and professional coaching insights. The collaboration with Crusaders Global Academy has provided a foundation for long-term growth, both in skill development and in shaping the program’s competitive future.

‍