Connacht’s talented young rugby players will be able to combine study and sport as a result of a new partnership with Yeats College.
The Elite Rugby Scholars Programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and will allow rugby players to play age-grade rugby with Connacht while also studying for their Leaving Certificate at the College Road campus.
The programme is suited to students who have a dual ambition of playing rugby at the highest professional levels, while also wanting to excel academically and plan a professional career once their ambitions in rugby have been achieved.
The students will be provided with a unique individualised timetable, allowing the student to achieve agreed sporting, academic and fitness milestones. Student housing is also included in the scholarship programme.
Connacht Rugby's coaching development manager Eamonn Molloy, who is behind the initiative, said: "At Connacht Rugby we recognise the need for players to have a balanced lifestyle and we strive to develop individuals who will be successful both in their rugby careers and beyond. We are delighted Yeats College shares that vision, which has driven this innovative partnership."
Yeats College principal Terry Fahy said: "We at Yeats College are delighted to be part of this exciting initiative with Connacht Rugby. The programme is unique in second level education as it strategically fosters academic and sporting excellence amongst young people.”
