The Nottingham Trent University Rugby Union programme, which is run in partnership with Nottingham Rugby Club is now able to offer some exciting new scholarship opportunities for prospective students interested in undertaking postgraduate study, whilst continuing to play performance level rugby.
As part of the NTU Sports Scholarship programme, we are able to offer a range of fee reduction opportunities to players both from the UK and overseas. Whilst studying and also being able to represent Nottingham Trent in the BUCS National League, high performance athletes will also have an opportunity to be part of the Nottingham Rugby programme, as the university’s long time partners begin a new era playing as a semi-professional side within the RFU Championship.
The joint NTU/Nottingham programme, which has now been in operation for 7 years has supported a wide range of student-athletes who have gone on to become professional players, including current Nottingham Rugby squad members Josh Poullett, Ben Brownlie, Jack Spittle, David Williams and Jamie Jack, and our new offerings are now giving increased support to those who are serious about being dual-career athletes. Tim Cardall who recently graduated from NTU was part of both the University and Nottingham Rugby programme before moving into a full time contract at Premiership Club Wasps.
As well as providing financial support, an NTU Sport Scholarship will also provide student – athletes with a range of additional support including high levels of Strength & Conditioning and Physiotherapy, lifestyle guidance particularly around athlete transition from our qualified mentoring staff, as well as a range of other sport science services and assistance with academic flexibility, to allow you to achieve your maximum potential in both sport and academia.
Head of Rugby David Ross, who is also the Assistant Coach for Nottingham Rugby, said: “We aspire to create and maintain the very best learning environment for our student athletes to prepare them for a life in professional rugby.
“The high level provision of strength and conditioning, video analysis and performance lifestyle support on top of a player centred culture allows our student athletes to learn, grow and enjoy the transition from youth to adult rugby.
“Our recruitment and links to our local premiership academies, schools and rugby clubs is attracting high level student athletes year on year, placing the NTU/Nottingham programme as one of the very best pathways to professional sport in the UK.”
Neil Fowkes, Head Coach of Nottingham Rugby said: “The link between ourselves and NTU gives a real pathway for talented rugby players into the RFU’s Greene King IPA Championship.
“The programme continues to go from strength to strength and the quality of players in the NTU programme has improved every year. We look forward to many more NTU players making the transition into the Green and White of Nottingham for years to come.”
The partnership run between the two institutions is well received by the students who take advantage of it, NTU Rugby Scholar Alex Crocker, who is currently about to enter his final year studying Economics, has commented that “the opportunity to better balance my sport and education has given me huge flexibility which has helped me excel both my rugby and academic disciplines. By being part of the partnership I’m not only able to access additional Strength and Conditioning and more coaching, I also feel more secure in my future knowing i’m currently working toward a dual career.”
If you are interesting in exploring the opportunities further, please email David Ross on david.ross@ntu.ac.uk
*Guardian University League Table 2020 – https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2019/jun/07/university-league-tables-2020