The Student Experience

We wanted to ask him about his experience whilst studying for a degree in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Leeds.

Q: What attracted you to West Park Leeds?
A: The chance for regular training sessions and the fact that members of the club personally came to the trials to introduce themselves.

Q: How was your welcome?
A: Straight away they helped me feel included and chatted to me. This helped me settle in really fast. It was the small things which made a difference, even just from sitting in the changing room at the first training session.

Q: Why do you enjoy playing at West Park Leeds?
A: There are regular matches that are at a competent level. Effective outside skills and match situations during training with great gym sessions that prepare me for games and push my fitness levels above and beyond.

Q: What have you found to be the difference between university and club rugby?
A: The chance for regular matches and regular training. I felt it was more constructive towards my development in rugby and towards matches. I personally felt the club pushed me more. I have gain the opportunity to do some coaching in the junior section and built a network with employers.

Q: Advice to students?
A: I would definitely recommend West Park Leeds to any student looking to play regular rugby because the club provides a fun and friendly environment where you are constantly pushed to achieve the most you can and to enjoy rugby. You also make good bonds with people.

Q: What do you enjoy about playing on a Saturday?
A: Saturday rugby has provided consistent matches where I’ve had the chance to show what I can do. It enables me to use my time constructively and actually play as much rugby as I can.

James is currently unable to play due to injury but that hasn’t stopped him from picking up a whistle and undertaking his level 2 referee badge. James will referee his first game of senior men’s rugby at West Park Leeds on Saturday 29th September.

Updated 11:35 - 30 Aug 2019 by User 3404975