Old Rishworthians will be the first rugby club in the area to set up its own Rugby Union Academy programme to provide better transition from junior rugby to senior level.
The club has a thriving junior section from under-6s to Colts with almost 250 youngsters and the new Academy is designed to build on this and will run from next season

“We are looking to provide the best development opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds to reach their full potential in a more professional setting with additional funding,” said the club’s Director of Rugby Richard Brown.

“It’s designed for all abilities to provide them with the best playing opportunities for their skill set.

“Development and investment in this age group is lacking throughout Yorkshire and we lose hundreds of young players as clubs are not able to transition them well into seniors. “This is the lifeblood of our sport and something Old Rishworthians are putting at the forefront,” he said.

The Academy will cater for Senior (U18) and Junior (U17) Colts teams and feed into the Senior Development Squad. It will also provide on and off the field kit, medical and physiotherapy support, qualified coaching, strength and conditioning and video analysis with a tested pathway to senior rugby. We are also linking into local businesses and provide opportunities with a view to creating an environment building lifelong participation in Rugby Union, with off field skills in education and the workplace.

For more information contact Alison Taylor 07546 809306 or Nick O’Connor 07818 438522.