St Mary’s University, Twickenham have teamed up with Richmond FC to ‘provide an outstanding experience for their men’s rugby union sides.’ The relationship aims to further both the players’ rugby and education, creating a gateway to playing opportunities for both clubs on the field. Off the field, access to the training facilities of a RFU Championship will be granted, as well as several placement openings. The university hope the partnership will give their institution the edge when talented rugby players are deciding their higher education options.
Richmond FC’s Athletic Ground is situated less than three miles from St Mary’s Strawberry Hill campus, with the hope this link will see students travel the short distance and make their mark in the second division of professional English rugby union. The club were a founding member of Rugby Football Union in 1871, and are looking ahead to their third successive season in the second tier, following promotion in 2019/20. They will certainly be hoping to improve on last season’s seventh-place finish, with the influx of new talent from this partnership adding to their optimism.
Considerable benefit
Speaking to the Richmond FC website, Steve Hill, Director of Rugby, said that ‘the partnership makes a huge amount of sense.’
He indicated the difference the programme would make, with the ‘players’ especially gaining a great deal of benefit.’ Hill believes this will allow ‘support for students in both their rugby and studies, as well as forming a route into rugby after their graduation.’ With the players from St Mary’s having access to ‘Richmond’s wide range of teams,’ the Director states that ‘there are several opportunities for all to remain involved in the game.
For St Mary’s, this partnership is another quiver in the bow of a university already renowned for their sporting prowess. Their facilities are labelled ‘world-class‘ by their website, with those who use them including ‘Formula One drivers, as well as Tennis and American Football players.’
Further to this, the university was included in the top four for sports scene in the 2019 Which? University Student Survey. Andrew Reid-Smith, Head of Sport at the university, was full of praise for the programme when speaking to the St Mary’s website. He believes the ‘programme offers students the opportunity to attain excellence, enjoyment and friendship, whilst adding great value to their degree.
For anyone who is interested in learning more about the programme, email [email protected] for more information.
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