New collaboration with Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation will benefit students

University of Gloucestershire’s men’s and women’s rugby union teams are set to benefit from Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation’s successful Finding the Edge programme, designed to support players’ personal development and wellbeing.

The collaboration will see Gloucester Rugby Foundation coaches working directly with University players throughout the season, helping to develop performance on and off the pitch while creating stronger connections between education, community sport and improved rugby pathways across Gloucestershire.

Finding the Edge is designed to provide participants with access to professional coaching expertise and player development opportunities. The programme delivers:

• Specialist performance coaching through weekly sessions focused on tactical development, strength and conditioning, and technical areas including scrums and lineouts.
• Enhanced player development, providing ambitious University players with access to high-quality coaching designed to support their continued rugby development and progression.
• Embedded coaching support, with Gloucester Rugby Foundation coaches working directly with University players throughout the season to strengthen individual and team performance, both on and off the pitch.

The programme forms part of Gloucester Rugby Foundation’s commitment to supporting communities throughout the county, using the power of rugby to create opportunities, develop talent and inspire people of all ages to achieve their potential.

For  University of Gloucestershire, the initiative aligns with its focus on building meaningful relationships with organisations across the region, providing students with enhanced experiences and opportunities to thrive both academically and through sport.

Matt Tansley, Head of Sport and Active Life at University of Gloucestershire, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Gloucester Rugby Foundation to provide coaching for both our men’s and women’s teams.

“This programme is a great example of how the University can connect with organisations across the county to create opportunities and experiences that directly benefit our students.

“Bringing in the expertise of the Gloucester Rugby Foundation will add a real level of professionalism to our rugby programme, not only in terms of the quality of coaching on the pitch, but also in helping to develop a strong, positive team culture.

“We want our students to have an environment in which they can challenge themselves, develop as players and as people, and achieve success together.

“We’re excited about what this initiative can bring and look forward to seeing both teams build on it over the coming seasons.”

Rob Webber, Director of Foundation and Rugby Growth at Gloucester Rugby Foundation, said: “We’re passionate about creating opportunities for people across Gloucestershire to engage with rugby and reach their potential, whatever stage of their journey they’re at.

“Delivering this programme for University of Gloucestershire is a fantastic way for us to extend that impact and provide students with access to the expertise, standards and development opportunities that exist within the professional game.

“Finding the Edge is about more than improving performance on the pitch. It’s about developing people, supporting coaches, creating aspirational pathways and strengthening the rugby community across the county. We’re excited to work alongside the University and help both the men’s and women’s programmes continue to grow and succeed.”

Megan Hughes, the University’s Women’s Rugby Union club captain, said: “This programme is an exciting new opportunity for the development and growth of rugby within our university. The Women’s Rugby team are looking forward to working alongside the coaches to create a new chapter in rugby at UoG and are eager to start.”

Will Staveley, the University’s Men’s Rugby Union club captain, said, “As a team we are really excited to be given the opportunity with Gloucester Rugby Foundation to build a legacy that can continue beyond our time at university, and to be backed by a foundation that loves the sport as much as we do.”

The programme will commence this season, with Gloucester Rugby Foundation coaches delivering regular sessions and working closely with University staff to support the development of both squads.

Main image: A University of Gloucestershire and Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation training session