Premiership Rugby Scholarships for U.S. Coaches

Premiership Rugby Scholarships were instituted for both rugby coaches and players in 2017. This is the third year that scholarships are being offered for coaches from the U.S. to come to England in October as part of the next wave of a game-changing initiative between Friends of the British Council, USA Rugby and Premiership Rugby.

“This unique program continues to support the development of the game in the US by empowering coaches through immersive professional development experiences in the UK. Each year 50 American coaches will have the opportunity to win this remarkable experience, spending a week at Premiership Rugby’s top clubs. Earlier this year, 30 American rugby coaches from 22 States were given inside access at Saracens, London Irish and Harlequins before watching one of the Premiership Rugby league fixtures at London Stadium alongside 42,000 fans.”

If you want to be included in this experience as a coach, you need to submit a short video application by August 26, 2019 for travel to England from October 27 to November 3.

Apply: https://www.premiershiprugbyscholarships.co.uk/apply-now/
Details: https://www.premiershiprugbyscholarships.co.uk/call-for-the-next-wave-of-american-coaches-as-premiership-rugby-scholarships-returns/
Deadline: August 26 for Video (England travel dates are Oct 27 to Nov 3)

“Premiership Rugby Development Manager – International Community Programmes, Dan Absolon said: “The last trip in March was incredibly successful and we cannot wait to offer the experience to another 20 coaches. Taking part in the programme will help develop the coaches’ skills and provide them with new experiences so that they have a better arsenal of skills to deliver their own community programs on returning to the US.”

“It’s also a fantastic cultural experience with the coaches getting the chance to visit London, Rugby and Rugby School while also having the opportunity to attend two Premiership Rugby matches.

“The game in the US is growing rapidly and to be able to provide the coaches with this opportunity and learn from our years of experience in delivering community rugby is really valuable for all those involved. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Coaches can fully immerse themselves at some of Europe’s top clubs and learn from some of the best coaches so to have a bigger impact in the communities they are working.”

During the week in England, the Premiership Rugby Scholarship winners will experience what it’s like to coach professional rugby in the UK visiting Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints and Wasps whilst taking part in a series of high-level rugby and knowledge transfer sessions.

The group will take part in the USA Rugby Level 300 coaching training course all whilst learning about Premiership Rugby’s award-winning community programs that use rugby as a tool for social change.

The coaches will also gain insight into various ways Premiership Rugby clubs are engaging their players, fans and communities to instil the core values of rugby.

Dallen Stanford, former USA Eagle & Director of Sports Partnerships for Friends of the British Council, added: “We’re excited to be partnering with wonderful organisations that see the value of investing in coach education, which will continue to improve the level of play in the US. Special thanks to our partners: Austin Huns RFC, Austin Valkyries, Carolina’s Geographic Union, Glendale Raptors, Rugby ATL, Rugby New Jersey, Saint Thomas Aquinas Rugby and Southern California Rugby Football Union. ”