Boys' Elite Rugby Programme
The Henley College Rugby Brochure 2022
We offer the perfect environment for talented and aspirational rugby players to combine their rugby development with a continued education. The Henley College Rugby Academy operates in close partnership with Ealing Trailfinders as a satellite Elite Player Programme (EPP) and with our local partner, Henley Hawks Rugby Club. You will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college sport whilst completing your studies in a variety of engaging BTEC, A Level or Foundation courses.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMME
Whilst the rugby programme requires a high level of commitment, the academic programme comes first. Students are encouraged to stay on top of their studies, with the rugby staff providing pastoral support in helping the students to manage their time effectively. The College has a diverse academic offer to suit the needs of the student, including 32 different A Levels and a wide range of BTEC and vocational courses.
Overall, there was a 97% A Level pass rate in 2019, with 21 subjects achieving a 100% pass rate. Many of our A Level rugby students study Physical Education, with 55.2% of students on this course achieving A*-B in 2019. The Henley College now offers an articulated pathway to Brunel University, where you can apply for a full-time rugby scholarship programme in partnership with the Trailfinders Academy. Other recent destinations for our rugby students include Bath, Loughborough, Nottingham Trent, Swansea and Exeter.
RUGBY PROGRAMME
We have worked hard to develop the perfect all-round performance package to take your rugby to the next level. The level of support offered at The Henley College is designed to mirror a professional rugby club environment. Being on the programme, you will have regular access to a range of professional services created to develop and improve you as an all-round player. The rugby programme is integrated into students’ timetables. There are 8 direct hours, plus Wednesday match days, designated to rugby throughout the week. This includes:
- Performance Coaching – we provide technical and tactical coaching through training, playing, video analysis and one-to-one individual reviews with players.
- Strength & Conditioning – we provide a structured programme to individuals in order to help maximise their physical development and prepare them for the physical demands of the game.
- Physiotherapy – we provide support through prehab, rehab and treatment programmes on an individual basis, to maximise playing opportunities.
- Sports Psychology – we have access to sport psychologists who can help players cope better with not only the demands of their sport but also in managing their busy lives.
- Sports Nutrition – we provide guidance, workshops and have access to specialists who can help educate players around nutrition for performance.
- Lifestyle and Pastoral Support – we provide the necessary support for players to be able to balance their sporting and academic commitments.
PROGRESSION AND SUCCESS STORIES
Through our partnership with the Ealing Trailfinders, Henley College rugby players have an articulated pathway to Brunel University, where the Trailfinders offer a full-time rugby scholarship programme run by over 20 full-time staff. Brunel Rugby Union field four teams and have BUCS fixtures weekly. On a Trailfinders scholarship at Brunel, you will have the opportunity to train with the first team at Ealing Trailfinders, giving you immediate exposure to international standard players to help your development. You may also be invited to attend full pre-season training with the club. Other recent university destinations our rugby players have progressed onto include Exeter, Loughborough, Cardiff, Nottingham Trent and Cardiff Met who all compete in BUCS Super Rugby.
Over the last decade we have seen a growing number of players go on to the professional game upon completion of their studies at university. We continue to see alumni flourish in the professional game and some of our most notable and recent alumni including; Alec Hepburn (England and Exeter) , Tom Willis (England u20 and Wasps), Jack Willis (Wasps) Aaron O’Sullivan (Ireland u20 and Leinster) and Will Simonds (Wasps)
Previous students have been accepted at universities such as Bath, Loughborough, Warwick and Leeds where they have continued their academic studies and rugby careers. Others have moved onto full-time apprenticeships or work-based training.
SELECTION
Places on the programme will be offered based on prior experience, your rugby CV and performance in trials. Academically, applicants to Henley College will be required to meet certain criteria depending on the course you are applying for. If you have not achieved these prerequisites, there may be other options available to you. Our squad compete at a very high level and applicants are expected to be capable of playing to at least County Standard. The Group is comprised of the top 30 players within the College's Elite Sports sector, while the next best 30 players will form the Development Group.
THE NEXT STEP
If you would like more information regarding the programme, please email Josh Barlow at JBAR@henleycol.ac.uk
How to find Henley Hawks Rugby Club >
