Ospreys and Swansea University today announce a new partnership which will see Wales’ most successful region take on the planning and operation of the men’s rugby programme at Swansea University.
This relationship will bring significant benefits to both parties, as well as to the wider Welsh rugby eco-system.
The partnership will see the University men’s rugby programme be developed to operate to elite academy standards, utilising the support and resources available from the Ospreys. Dedicated Ospreys personnel will run the programme, with additional input provided by both Ospreys’ academy and senior squad staff over the course of the season.
The rugby provision will be highly attractive to students from across the UK and beyond who are looking for opportunities to progress into the professional game. It also provides a means for promising Welsh youngsters to be retained in Wales, continuing their education while benefiting from elite quality rugby development.
The Ospreys’ move to their new ground at St Helen’s will provide Swansea University students on this programme with the opportunity to utilise and experience the facilities at the iconic ground. The redevelopment of St Helen’s is part of Swansea Council’s ambitious Swansea Bay Sports Park project, of which the University is already a part.
Announcing the new partnership, Ospreys’ Chief Executive Officer, Lance Bradley, said: “We have been working with Swansea University for many years, so this new programme was a natural progression. We are firm believers in the value of investing in the player pathway, and this is further demonstration of our commitment to that.
“It enables us to both retain and attract talented young players to Swansea University, and for the Ospreys to have significant input to their rugby development. It presents opportunities for those players to not only compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) league, but also potentially to progress to Super Rygbi Cymru, thereby contributing to the ongoing success of that league.
“The most talented students will have the opportunity to join our academy, as was the case with Max Nagy – now not only an Ospreys first team regular, but also Welsh qualified through the 5 year residency rules.
“We look forward to introducing a similar women’s programme at the University once the plan for women’s rugby in Wales is decided.”
Professor Keith Lloyd, Director of Swansea University’s National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH) said: “This partnership represents a major step forward for university sport in Wales and builds on many years of successful collaboration with Ospreys. By bringing the expertise and professionalism of Ospreys Rugby into our University rugby programme, we’re creating an environment that combines academic excellence with elite-level performance support.
“It’s a model that embodies what Swansea University and NISH stand for - using research, innovation, and collaboration to help athletes reach their full potential both on and off the field. We’re incredibly proud to be part of an initiative that strengthens Welsh rugby and enhances opportunities for our students.”
