Rugby Union's one of the fastest growing college sports in the US, which has led a couple of Harvard scholars all the way to Christchurch to join the Crusaders International Academy.
Centre Tinaye Ngorima and hooker Eamonn Lay who play for Harvard in the Division 1 A competition have joined the academy on an eight-week playing programme.
"Since rugby's played here so often growing up as a kid, the skillset is just so much higher then you'd find at home," said Ngorima.
"Everyone has really good catch-pass abilities, and is able to really read the game so coming into the environment that's the challenge — how do you get to that level as well."
The Crusaders International Academy, set up by Robbie Deans, has been running since 2008. It gives players from all around the world, male and female of all ages and abilities, the chance to be fully immersed in the Crusaders environment.
"The stuff you learn off the field, being part of the a team, building community and culture which they've done so well is what you takeaway and you're able to apply it to all parts of life," said Lay.
The academy train 11 times a week with access to the Rugby Park's world class facilities, coaches and players.
There's also a big emphasis on rugby theory.
"We do an educational session and that revolves around mental skills, nutrition, player development, culture and leadership and rugby IQ," said the academy's Grant Keenan.
"If we don't get the off-field right, we won't get the on-field right ... so that's the biggest eye-opener and challenge for these young men have had."
Their enrolment at the academy comes as the prestigious university looks to boost its own rugby programme.
"We have goals of national championships, and I'm definitely aligned with that and hopeful for that," said Lay.
"Experiencing a culture like this, that's embraced rugby at the forefront of it, is great to be able to see what it potentially could be (for us) in the future," he said.
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