Students RFU awards record University Grants
*photo of Worcester Rugby Club and the Red Roses in 2019
The Students RFU has awarded a record number of grants in the first window of the 2020 funding cycle.
The highest one-round number of applications from eligible universities saw all 32 allocated grants. The Students RFU priority was supporting the resumption of rugby activity across institutions and helping to retain existing players. Both the application criteria and process were simplified to enable the distribution of allocated funds to a significant number of institutions as quickly as possible.
The awarding panel, made up of members from the SRFU and RFU and an independent member, considered the number of students impacted and the sustainability of projects, while also looking at how the SRFU and RFU can offer non-financial support to help clubs achieve their current ambitions.
Each eligible university club that applied has been granted a share of the funds, with a minimum amount of £250 given. It is the SRFU’s hope that this will enable players to access rugby and that it will support clubs to deliver activity safely on the Return to Play pathway.
Harry Lonsdale from the University of Worcester, a recipient of a grant last year, said: “Around four years ago, the club started losing a large amount of players and was struggling, with a few relegations and even problems to field teams.
“It is amazing to sit back now in 2020 and see that as well as attracting players to the club, which is now stronger than ever, it has brought the club together as a great squad. They can train properly with the right equipment, coaches and the drive to aim for varsity which has become an amazing event. I am very grateful for this funding and it has made a great impact on the club”.
