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University’s sporting pedigree is recognised again with international call-ups

University of Gloucestershire students are celebrating yet more international sporting recognition after the squads were announced for a showpiece rugby league tournament in Ireland. 

Three students from the University – sports scholars Mike Holden, Fiach Milward and Jack O’Sullivan – have been selected to play in the upcoming 2022 Students XIII Tri Nations Championship hosted by the National University of Galway.

Holden, who is studying for a BA (Hons) degree in Sports Coaching Science, will be representing England Universities while Milward (BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy) and O’Sullivan (BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences) will be representing Ireland.

The 2022 Students XIII Tri Nations Championship gets under way on Sunday when Ireland face Scotland, followed by Scotland versus England next Wednesday (22 June) and Ireland versus England the following Saturday (25 June).

The call-ups for Holden, Milward and O’Sullivan (pictured below) are the latest in a recent series of international successes for current students and sports scholars across the range of academic schools at the University.

Left to right, Jack O’Sullivan, Mike Holden and Fiach Milward 

Sisilia Tuipulotu, who is studying for a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree within the University’s School of Natural and Social Sciences, was selected to play for the senior Wales rugby union team at the Women’s Six Nations Championship earlier this year.

Chloe Robyns-Landricombe, enrolled on the BSc Physiotherapy degree programme within the University’s School of Health and Social Care, was crowned British champion in her weight class while representing British Judo.

Chloe Robyns-Landricombe (right) battling with Kirsty Marsh in the final at the 2021 British judo championships (photo credit: ElitePix)

International referee Lauren Kianchehr, who is studying for a Master’s degree in Professional Practice in Sports Coaching with the University’s School of Sport and Exercise, was called up by GB Boccia to provide specialist coaching support to its players at the Rio de Janeiro 2022 World Boccia Cup.

Other current students who have gained recent international recognition include:

Jane Taylor, MSc Sports Therapy: England University Netball

Milly Pittaway, BSc Strength and Conditioning: England Universities Netball

Tayla Alexander, BSc Criminology: England and GB Equestrian Vaulting

Lauren Relf, BSc Physical Education: GB Universities Ice Hockey

George Kelman-Johns, BSc Physical Education and Coaching: Team GB Para Swimming

Amelia Davies, BA Dance: Team England Adaptive Abilities Cheerleading

Ryan Rijksen Salman, BSc Sport and Exercise Science: Team GB Judo

Matt Tansley, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at the University, said: “Representing your country in your chosen sport is a special achievement. To do so while balancing full-time study really does speak volumes about the students we have here at University of Gloucestershire.

“These individuals have demonstrated such amazing levels of commitment and we are so proud to have them studying with us.

“We do everything we can to support the students ambitions and have Sport England-accredited support services they can lean on when things get tough.

“We want to make sure they don’t have to make a choice between study and their athletic career. At our university they can achieve amazing things in both.”

Main image: Sisilia Tuipulotu being presented with her first Wales cap after the Women’s Six Nations Championship match against Ireland