Nottingham Rugby are delighted to announce the signing of 3 NTU students.
Matt Durbridge (scrum-half), Charlie West (fly-half), and Hobie Riches (back row) have all signed contacts with the club for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
All 3 of the NTU students have trained consistently with the club over the course of pre-season and the opening weeks of the Champ Rugby season. They all also featured in Nottingham’s pre-season fixture at Mattioli Woods Welford Road against Premiership side, Leicester Tigers.
The trio will all be available for selection ahead of Nottingham’s Champ Rugby round 5 fixture against Cambridge at the weekend.
Matt Durbridge quoted “I’m incredibly proud to have signed my first professional contract with Nottingham Rugby. It shows how strong the partnership is between NTU and Nottingham Rugby.”
Durbridge also featured in a pre-season fixture against Ampthill in 2023.
He also added “I’m really grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way. I’m excited to keep improving and contribute to the team this season.”
Riches commented “I’m excited about the opportunity to join Nottingham and contribute to a club with such a proud history.”
“This is important step in my rugby career as I look to challenge myself and perform at the highest possible level.”
Riches was also part of the Nottingham squad that faced London Scottish in pre-season just a few weeks ago.
Charlie West also spoke about signing for the club: “I’m really pleased to be joining Nottingham Rugby. It’s a exciting opportunity to be part of a proud club with high ambitions and passionate supporters.”
“I’m looking forward to contributing what I can as well as continuing my development alongside a great group of players and coaches.”
The three signings are another show of the outstanding relationship between Nottingham Rugby and Nottingham Trent University, and the importance the University pathway has into professional rugby.
NTU head coach, and Nottingham Rugby’s backs coach, David Ross, added “I’m delighted for all three lads, they’ve worked so hard this season, and have been great assets to both NTU and Nottingham already this season.”
“Over the years NTU and Nottingham Rugby have helped shape some outstanding careers in professional rugby, and these three lads are next off the production line. I’m confident they will continue to learn and grow, as well as show off their talents.”