Connacht Rugby and NUI Galway Announce High Performance Partnership

Connacht Rugby and NUI Galway have announced a partnership to expand the sporting, malady academic, medicine research and educational links between the two institutes.

NUI Galway will support the Connacht Rugby Academy and the Connacht Rugby Age Grade Representative teams, by offering a structured third level education to elite players.

Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway said the aim is : “to provide professional players with the opportunity to combine third level study with a professional rugby career which will provide a powerful incentive for talented young players to come to Connacht and NUI Galway.”

Head of Commercial and Marketing, Alex Saul said “We are delighted to welcome NUI Galway on board to support our Academy and Age Grade Programmes. NUI Galway are the perfect partner to have to ensure that our development pathway continues to flourish, whilst also opening the door to further commercial, educational and research opportunities.”

Connacht Rugby CEO Tom Sears said:“Our new partnership with NUI Galway will enable Connacht Rugby to further enhance our holistic approach to elite player development. We have always sought to develop our players in every aspect of their lives, on and off the pitch, to ensure they reach their full potential and this link will provide tremendous opportunities for them. We fully intend to explore all the exciting opportunities of working closely with NUI Galway and see this new partnership as fundamental to our future development in many areas.”

Another aspect of the partnership will see ambassadors Robbie Henshaw, Eoin McKeon, Conor Finn and Rory Maloney take part in the NUI Galway schools liaison programme, where they will visit schools and talk to students.