- Two groups of 25 domestic rugby coaches will be selected to participate in professional development program through Premiership Rugby and Friends of the British Council.
- Scholarship winners will gain first-hand experience on coaching professional rugby in the UK, while also taking part in a series of high-level rugby and knowledge transfer sessions
- Applications will be accepted through Dec. 16 for the March 2019 trip
50 American rugby coaches will soon have the chance to travel to England in 2019 on Premiership Rugby Scholarships as part of an initiative between USA Rugby and Premiership Rugby, supporting the development domestic coaching. This initiative is designed to progress the game in the US by empowering coaches through immersive professional development experiences in the UK.
Selected coaches will travel to England in two groups with applications for the first 25 - those who will participate in March 2019 - now open.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
The Premiership Rugby coach scholarship program was designed in response to direct feedback from the rugby community after Premiership Rugby visited a number of US cities throughout 2016 and 2017, delivering free coach workshops and player clinics. In March of 2018, a first group of 14 coaches and 16 players from the United States visited London for a week of total immersion inside Premiership Rugby.
"Based on a review of the pilot group to England, we felt the largest impact we could have on the US rugby community would be to assist in coach development and ongoing support, creating a longer lasting legacy,' said Wayne Morris, CSR and Community Director at Premiership Rugby.
The Premiership Rugby Scholarship winners will gain first-hand experience on coaching professional rugby in the UK, while also taking part in a series of high-level rugby and knowledge transfer sessions. During the week in England, coaches will take part in a Level 300 coaching training course, which will be co-delivered by Premiership Rugby and USA Rugby. Participants will take part in tailored coaching sessions on the pitch covering coaching fundamentals but will also cover topics like nutrition, strength and conditioning, video analysis, and mental growth mindset.
"We are excited to work with Premiership Rugby in continuing to elevate the standard of our coaches' skillsets and knowledge of the game,' said interim CEO of USA Rugby, Ross Young. "Seeing the expansion of this program after input from the rugby community is very encouraging and I'm eager for those selected to enjoy the experience.'
Coaches will also learn about and engage with Premiership Rugby's award-winning community programs that use rugby as a tool for social change, covering all methodologies used in these life changing initiatives. Coaches will gain insight into various ways Premiership Rugby clubs are engaging their players, fans and communities to instill the core values of rugby.
"This is a great opportunity for those selected and we look forward to seeing what they can bring back to their local communities,' continued Young.
Coaches will have two opportunities in 2019 to take part in this professional employability program, with trips planned for spring and fall. The first group will visit London, staying at the impressive Bisham Abbey - home to Sport England. In addition to their training course participants will also have the opportunity to:
• Visit Premiership Rugby clubs Saracens, Harlequins and London Irish
• Attend a Gallagher Premiership Rugby fixture
• Visit Twickenham Stadium, home of England Rugby
• Explore Rugby School, where the game was invented in 1823
• Guest appearance on BT Sport's Rugby Tonight show
• Welcome reception at Westminster Abbey at House of Commons
• Historical tour of London
This short-term intensive program will be accompanied by long-term mentorship through an online coach education platform, with all participants in the Premiership Rugby Scholarship program having access to this ongoing resource.
"The majority of coaches in the US get paid very little to nothing, so regardless of financial means we wanted to provide this experience to everyone involved in our rugby community. We are extremely grateful to various partners that have already contributed to this scheme, ensuring this enrichment opportunity is available' added Dallen Stanford, Director of Sports Partnerships for Friends of the British Council.
This initiative is funded primarily by Friends of the British Council, through the generosity of individual donors, foundations, corporations, clubs and organizations, who recognize the value of international exchange and networks for professional development.
To apply for the opportunity, submit a video application by December 16, 2018 to be considered for selection by Premiership Rugby.
APPLY HERE
How to Win:
• Film and upload a video submission to YouTube or Vimeo
• Videos can be filmed on any device but must not exceed 90 seconds
• Visit the Premiership Rugby Scholarship Website to complete the entry form
• Share your entry via woobox on social media using hashtag #PremRugbyScholarships
What should the video submission include?
• Candidate's full name
• Rugby team coaches and organization affiliations
• Background and experience in the sport of rugby
• How you coach or demonstrate the value of Rugby Union (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship)
• How attendance in the scholarship program will benefit you
• The program is open to all female and male Level 100, 200 and 300 USA Rugby certified coaches that reside in the US and who are 18 years of age and above on 1 September 2018. Coaches will need to have their Level 200 certification completed before traveling in 2019
