The University of Gloucestershire has linked-up with last year’s rugby league Carnegie Champion College winners, Wakefield College, in a bid to bring new talent to the South West.
The University All Golds are currently rated as one of the top eight student sides in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Super 8 League. The new partnership will offer budding rugby league players a chance to play for the South West student-side and the opportunity to study full-time.
To kick-start the partnership, the College team will travel to Gloucestershire this week (Wednesday 8 February) to play South Gloucestershire and Stroud College – formerly Filton College, at the University’s home ground, the Prince of Wales’ Stadium, in Cheltenham. Kick-off at 6pm. Students will also have the opportunity to tour University facilities and meet the team.
Andy Pitchford, Director of Sport at the University of Gloucestershire, said: "The match marks the start of a really exciting relationship between the University and Wakefield College. Wakefield has a great history of producing outstanding rugby league players and we are now in a position to help those players in the next stage of their journey. The sport is growing incredibly quickly in the South West now and we're pleased to say that we're a big part of it.”
Led by Head Coach, Mick Bamford, last year Wakefield College achieved a National Championship, League titles and has produced fifteen players that have achieved international honours, whilst being part of the Rugby League programme, with last year’s team providing seven of the England Colleges team.
Mark Helme, Athlete Development Programme Coordinator at Wakefield College, said: “We hope to establish a link with the University that encourages our learners to continue in to Higher Education, in an environment which closely matches Wakefield College’s philosophy, culture of professionalism and excellence, whilst maintaining their commitment to rugby league.”
“We also hope that through this link we can share ideas about coaching and player development, and engage in ways in which develop academic links as well as sporting.”
The University of Gloucestershire currently supports former Filton College athletes in a range of sports and is looking to develop this relationship further in the coming year. Daniel Garbutt, Head Coach - Rugby League Academy, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, said: “Our link with The University of Gloucestershire is fantastic for our Rugby League Academy and the College as a whole, our programme is very much based on developing the individual and to be able to offer such a strong and success exit pathway for our players is fantastic.”
The Rugby League Academy, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, hosted both the South West 9s event and the South West Trials which saw record numbers attend. They came second in the BUCS West Division, winning five out of seven matches.
For more information about the University of Gloucestershire visit www.glos.ac.uk
Further information about Wakefield College can be found at www.wakefield.ac.uk/adp