Ospreys & Swansea University Expand Partnership
August 9, 2013
The Ospreys and Swansea University have announced a new agreement that will see Ospreys rugby scholarships made available at the higher learning establishment. The university will become part of the region’s rugby development structure.
This agreement follows existing commercial and research partnerships between the two organisations, and Ospreys will support the established rugby structure at the university by “engaging sporting scholars with rugby experts”.
Under the terms of the agreement, Swansea University’s logo will apear on the Ospreys kit this season for the first time.
Swansea rugby players will receive coaching, nutritional testing and advice, sports psychology, lifestyle planning and strength and conditioning testing. Swansea University Ospreys rugby scholarships will be made available to students aiming to pursue a dual career path.
Ospreys Under-20s Head Coch, Richard Lancaster, will continue to lead the 1st XV University team. Dan Griffiths, Ospreys’ Elite Youth Performance Manager, will assist him.
Richard Lancaster, Swansea University’s Head of Rugby said: “Some players develop a little later in their careers and it’s important there are still opportunities for such people to prove their ability and that they are confident that the door is not shut to them.”
Ospreys Chief Executive, Andrew Hore, added: “Our extended development pathway sees us investing considerable financial and physical resources to not only unearth the next generation of Ospreys, but to also create better, well rounded people off the field.
“This tie-up with the University’s rugby programme fits perfectly within the ethos of development from within.”