Interview with Robin MacDowell on the MacDowell Academy and Release of the MacDowell Performance App
BCRN: Hi Robin, I saw you released a new training app called MacDowell Performance, it’s powered by Athlete Health First. Before we get into the app let’s talk about Athlete Health First, I understand there’s an interesting history there with the company and the founder.
Athlete Health First has a long history, and the connection runs deep. Trevor and I go way back to our days playing together in the Canadian Sevens system. After his playing career, Trevor transitioned into the high-performance space and has worked globally, most notably alongside Kobe Bryant during the last four years of his NBA career. His expertise in performance, recovery, and injury prevention is unmatched.
Trevor and I also had the privilege of working together during Rugby Mexico’s Women’s World Cup campaign in 2017 and 2018. We spent time on the ground supporting athletes across Mexico with camps, competitions, and programs that focused on preventative workouts, performance enhancements, and recovery strategies.
Athlete Health First and MACDOWELLRUGBY actually launched in the same year—2017—and we’ve been collaborating ever since. Trevor and his team have been instrumental in supporting all of my programs, from youth development to professional and international levels. It’s been an incredible partnership, and it’s exciting to see that evolve further with the launch of the Macdowell Performance app.
BCRN: From what I understand this app is rugby specific and one of the big benefits is, it brings the science of training to those who don’t have access to local high performance training centres and professional staff. Can you talk about the benefits of using the app?
You’re absolutely right, one of the standout features of this app is its ability to make professional, high-performance rugby training accessible to athletes everywhere. It brings the science of training directly to players who might not have access to elite facilities or expert coaching in their local area.
The app is specifically designed for rugby, with programs tailored to the unique demands of the sport. Whether it’s building strength, enhancing stability, or improving power, the training is crafted to help rugby athletes perform at their best while minimizing the risk of injury.
What’s also great is the flexibility it offers. Athletes can train on their own time, wherever they are, without sacrificing quality. Plus, the guidance and support built into the app like check-ins with performance coaches and recovery tools make it feel like you have a professional team in your corner, no matter where you’re training from.
This app truly levels the playing field by bringing the same level of training and expertise that top athletes receive to anyone passionate about rugby and driven to improve. It’s a game-changer for rugby players at all levels.
BCRN: The app has only been launched but have you had any feedback from the early users of the system?
While the app is still new, we’ve already received some fantastic feedback from early users. Carissa Norsten, a 2024 Rugby Canada silver medalist, shared how Athlete Health First guided her recovery journey after an ACL injury in 2020. She said the app, combined with their support and tailored programs, helped her rebuild her strength and confidence, ultimately setting the stage for her professional career.
We’ve also heard from users’ parents like Crystal Dutchak, a rugby mom and coach from Fort St. John, BC. She mentioned how the app was exactly what her daughter Adalyn needed since their town doesn’t have access to rugby-specific training. Adalyn’s excitement to dive into the program really speaks to how the app is filling a gap for athletes in smaller communities.
It’s been incredible to see how the app is already making an impact, and we’re looking forward to hearing more stories like these as more athletes start using it
BCRN: Let’s go further into the growing MacDowell Rugby presence across western Canada. I know you have the Island Academy in Cowichan, the Saskatchewan Academy in Regina but I’ve also heard you’re growing in Alberta and Manitoba. Can you update us on the Academy activity across Western Canada?
We’re thrilled about the growth of MACDOWELLRUGBY across Western Canada! This past fall, we successfully launched in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with over 50 athletes joining our program. We’ve already kicked off our winter programming indoors this past weekend, which is a fantastic way to keep the momentum going.
In Alberta, we launched our program in Calgary this past October, and it’s been amazing to see athletes from across the province come together. With over 30 participants, the program is running strong and will continue through the spring.
Our Island Academy in Cowichan is gearing up for an exciting move to a new school this February. This is a huge upgrade for our community and provides a proper high-performance facility for our full-time program, complete with a world-class gym and a brand-new field.
And in Saskatchewan, after seven years of success in Regina, we expanded to Saskatoon in 2024, welcoming over 40 rising stars from Northern Saskatchewan. Both programs will kick off again this spring, giving athletes in those regions a fantastic opportunity to continue developing their skills.
It’s been a busy and rewarding year, and we’re excited about what’s ahead for all our academies in 2025!
BCRN: In 2024 your Academy teams toured a lot of places, you were at the Tropical 7s in Florida, in Mexico for a 7s tournament, at the Global 7s in NZ. Could you give a wrapup of the 2024 tours and what’s on the horizon in 2025?
2024 was an incredible year for our Academy teams, with six global tours that took us to amazing destinations. We competed at the Kamloops 7s, NAI 7s in Utah, Mexico 7s, Tropical 7s in Florida, Heidelberg 7s, and capped it off with the Global Youth 7s in Auckland. Each tournament brought unique challenges and opportunities for growth, and our players showed tremendous development both on and off the field.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re kicking off the year in Florida at the Tropical 7s with eight teams, which is our largest representation yet. From there, we’re building on the momentum of last year with even more international tournaments and opportunities to showcase our talent on the global stage. It’s shaping up to be another exciting year for MACDOWELLRUGBY!
MacDowell Rugby Performance App Overview
