International students join local rugby club
A grassroots club in Bath has joined forces with a local college to give international students the opportunity to play rugby
Stothert and Pitt RFC have struggled with playing numbers in recent times since the return of rugby after the Coronavirus pandemic, but when a partnership with Bath College came to fruition, opportunities arose that would benefit both the club and players.
Club Chairman Rob Pickup, who also holds a role at the college as their school events and events co-ordinator, wanted to help when international foundation students were looking for a social space to play recreational sport.
Students were offered the use of the club’s 2nd team pitch, and the partnership has since resulted in three new players taking up rugby.
He said: “It’s fair to say we’ve struggled this season with playing numbers. Lots of our playing numbers had children or are self-employed. Their priorities for a Saturday changed to spending time with family (which is understandable) or needing to work & not risk injury on the rugby pitch.
“Trying the usual recruitment methods of social media and even partnering with a local University who used our facilities for training came to no avail.
“Alex from Zimbabwe (2nd from left) & Afonso from Portugal (3rd from left) have played rugby before, however, Hrishi (left) from India had previously played professional cricket but never rugby. He has since gone onto play three times for us.”
