THE first Rugby Sevens Academy programme in the UK has been launched thanks to a collaboration between the University of Essex, the Colne College Sixth form Rugby Academy and Colchester Rugby Club.

The programme offers an effective five-year development pathway for young male and female sevens players.

Students can combine studying for the equivalent of three A-levels at the Colne Sixth form, and a degree at the University of Essex, with specific physical and rugby training to prepare them for elite-level sevens competition.

The coaching team will be led by Colchester Rugby Club head coach Colne Rugby Academy’s Anthony O’Riordan.

“This venture is really very exciting,” O’Riordan said.

“For a long time north Essex rugby has needed this injection of enthusiasm and commitment from stake holders to provide genuine athlete development in conjunction with an academic pathway.

“With the progress and developments being made by both the Colne Sixth Form Rugby Academy and Colchester Rugby Club, it is the next logical step to include and work with the University of Essex to help retain the elite rugby players of tomorrow, but more importantly, develop rugby as a whole in the region and beyond.

“The experience of our coaching staff at Colchester in collaboration with the RFU and Saracens mean that students of the University will be at the centre of a focused programme.

“We at Colchester and Colne Sixth Form are truly excited by the roll out of this partnership which intends to put University Rugby on the map here in Essex”.

The University of Essex is offering scholarships to talented rugby players, which provide a comprehensive package of support services.

Scholarship players will have access to daily coached rugby training sessions, strength and conditioning training under the supervision of UKSCA-qualified coaches, sports science testing and advice provided by the on-site Human Performance Unit.

There will also be dedicated athlete accommodation situated adjacent to the sports facilities, access to lifestyle advisors, sports nutritionists, sports psychologists and academic flexibility.

Undergraduate scholarships are offered with financial awards of up to £2,500 per year, while post-graduate scholarships are offered including full-fee waivers for Masters students.

The University of Essex is also a Sport England TASS centre, with TASS scholarships available for female rugby players.

Performance Sport Director Dr Dave Parry leads on the scholarship programme, with Rugby Sevens joining the existing performance sports of basketball and volleyball, where Essex is already a leading university in the development of talented athletes.

He said: “Our programme is athlete-centred, with our mission focussing on the development of the individual player so that they can proceed to elite levels of performance as they finish their academic studies.

“We also provide a first class university education, working with scholarship students to ensure that they are supported in balancing the demands of their sport and their studies.”

The programme has academy partner status with Saracens Rugby Club, and Academy Manager Don Barrell has given his support to the programme.

He said: “The University of Essex and its new sevens programme is an exciting venture which promises to be the first of its kind, providing holistic development to young athletes.

“We are looking to engage with the university and endorse the programme.

“The plans at the University of Essex will allow for young players who may have been late developers in the sport to have a pathway to continue to develop whilst still pushing academically.

“Saracens also believes the research benefits for both will be hugely beneficial.

“There is a wealth of knowledge in both institutions.”

RFU Head of International Player Development, Joe Lydon, also applauds the new initiative.

“The introduction of a dedicated pathway which puts the athlete first and combines continued rugby development with extended academic opportunity, fits with the RFU strategic vision for the game,” he said.

For further information or to enquire about applying for a place at the Colne Academy or the University of Essex contact Head Coach Anthony O’Riordan (aoriordancrfc@gmail.com), or University of Essex Performance Sport Manager Mike Callan (mjcallan@essex.ac.uk) 01206 873016.