The Etc. Men’s Rugby Academy provides talented club-level players with the opportunity to compete at one of the highest levels of college rugby in the country while continuing their education.

Representing the Etc. Rugby Team within the Association of Colleges (AoC) Premiership, the academy offers ambitious student-athletes a genuine high-performance environment designed to support progression both on and off the field.

Players selected for the academy will integrate into the existing Etc. rugby performance programme, training weekly on Tuesday mornings alongside current academy players and accessing elite-level facilities including a state of-the-art strength and conditioning gym, floodlit 3G pitches, performance analysis support and specialist coaching provision. Competitive fixtures and performance opportunities provide players with regular exposure to regional and national competition standards.

The academy is led by Ste Jones, former professional rugby player for Newcastle Falcons, who also enjoyed a successful playing career in both Canada and Italy. Supported by an experienced coaching and performance team, the programme is designed to replicate the expectations, standards and environment of elite rugby pathways, helping players maximise their technical, tactical, physical and personal development.

Designed around students’ academic studies, the Men’s Rugby Academy allows players to continue pursuing vocational or academic qualifications while competing within a structured, professional sporting environment. The programme aims to support progression into higher education, semi-professional and professional rugby pathways, while also developing leadership, resilience, teamwork and employability skills that prepare students for future success.

The Etc. Women’s Rugby Academy provides aspiring female rugby players with the opportunity to combine high-level sport with outstanding education.

Designed for players competing at club level and above, the academy aims to create an ambitious and supportive performance environment where students can continue to develop their game while working towards their future career and academic goals.

Players within the academy will train weekly alongside the wider Etc. performance programme, accessing high quality coaching, strength and conditioning support, performance facilities and competitive fixtures. The long-term vision for the programme is to establish a full Etc. Women’s Rugby squad across both Redcar and Bede, creating enhanced opportunities for female players within the region to compete, develop and progress within the game.

The academy is led by an exciting up-and-coming female coach with a strong playing background and a passion for developing the next generation of women’s rugby players. Supported
by the wider Etc. coaching and performance team, the programme focuses on developing technical ability, game understanding, physical performance and confidence, while creating a positive and empowering team culture that reflects the values of the modern women’s game.

Designed to work around students’ studies, the Women’s Rugby Academy enables players to pursue their education while benefiting from a professional sporting environment that supports both personal and athletic
development. Whether progressing into higher education, coaching, elite sport or future employment, students will gain valuable life skills including leadership, teamwork, resilience and communication through their experience within the academy.