Men's Rugby Academy
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.
