Weston College is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bristol Rugby Club.

The partnership will see Bristol Rugby supporting the College’s Academy of Sport in a number of ways, which includes: staff development, delivery of strength and conditioning provision, support and guidance for the new sports analysis department and guest sessions/lectures from coaches and players.

The new partnership creates a clear pathway into elite sport for the College’s rugby athletes and also provides opportunities for College students that are looking to progress into elite sport through other avenues, such as sports analysis.

The partnership will also see Bristol Rugby basing a DPP centre at the Weston College Academy building throughout the season for talented u15 players from across the region.

Joel Parker, Weston College’s Academy of Sport Manager, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for athletes within our Rugby Academy at Weston College to progress into elite sport and fulfil their aspirations of becoming professional athletes.

“A recent example of this is Quentin Querl who progressed into Bristol Rugby’s Academy programme and scored a try on his debut in a local derby against Bath Rugby, following a recommendation from Jack Gadd, Weston College’s Assistant Academy Manager.

“Having a clear pathway into Bristol Rugby will help to inspire and motivate local players and we are extremely excited to see how this partnership evolves. We continually strive to create the best opportunities for our learners and a huge part of this is dependent on creating these key partnerships.”

This was echoed by Bristol Academy Manager, Mike Hall, who added: “We are extremely excited to be working with Weston College rugby academy. We will be looking to support Jack, the staff and the programme in many different areas. We are also excited about offering the students from Weston College a pathway in to u18 academy rugby and the potential to work with more aspiring rugby players within our local area.”

Weston College will grow its partnership with Bristol Rugby Club over the next few years and hopes that it can help offer aspiring rugby players in the North Somerset area the chance to pursue their rugby ambitions.

On Wednesday 14^th February the College will be hosting an academy development day at Weston College Academy. If you are interested in attending then you can contact the College’s Assistant Academy Manager, Jack Gadd, on 01934 411 450, or email him at jack.gadd@weston.ac.uk.