Richmond FC and St Mary’s University Announce Partnership

St Mary’s University, Twickenham and Richmond FC have today announced an exciting new partnership that will support an outstanding rugby experience for the men’s rugby union players at the University.

The partnership will offer a dual education and rugby programme, with the aim of developing St Mary’s students on and off the pitch and jointly supporting the playing ambitions of both clubs. Alongside attracting and developing talented young rugby players, students will benefit from accessing the partners’ extensive rugby facilities, and a range of placement opportunities.

St Mary’s has a well-established reputation for the quality of its student sport programme and is one of the best universities in London for men’s and women’s rugby union. Richmond Rugby are a founding member of the Rugby Football Union and the 1^st XV compete in the Championship. Richmond run another four senior men’s teams, two senior women’s teams, one U23’s team, one colts’ team (U18’s), a veterans’ team and youth and mini rugby for 600 girls and boys.

President of the St Mary’s Men’s Rugby Union Club, Harry Milne, said, “The players are really looking forward to working with Richmond who are a great local club. We are keen to work hard and improve, enjoy our rugby and help develop the sport.”

Head of Sport at St Mary’s Andrew Reid-Smith, said, “St Mary’s are delighted to be working with Richmond Rugby on this excellent initiative. We want to support the students to fulfil their potential and encourage them to stay involved and help develop the game. Both partners believe that participating in rugby affords our students opportunities to attain excellence, enjoyment and friendship, adding value to their university education and beyond.”

Speaking about the partnership, Director of Rugby at Richmond Steve Hill, who will be overseeing the St Mary’s men’s programme, said, “This partnership makes a huge amount of sense, with both organisations, and in particular the players, gaining benefit. We are keen to help players develop whilst they are completing their studies and for them to have a clear pathway to continue in rugby once they have graduated. Richmond’s wide range of teams will offer opportunities for all to continue to be involved in the game as either a player, coach, official or administrator.”

Prospective students can email gareth.crewe@stmarys.ac.uk for further information about the men’s rugby union programme and the partnership.