Swansea RFC are delighted to be continuing their longstanding partnerships with both Gower College Swansea and Swansea University as part of our official player development pathway.
Swansea RFC has a long history of partnering both schools to bring forward the next generation of players in the Swansea area and introducing them to a higher standard of play at the semi-professional level. The partnership will now provide a clear and productive pathway for players as they grow in their rugby careers, including many that have already gone on to represent Swansea RFC, sign professional contracts or represent their country.
There are numerous examples of players who have benefitted from this pathway already, including players within our current squad. Examples include Keelan Giles, James Fender, Max Nagy, James Ratti, Matthew Aubrey, Callum Carson and Huw Sutton. All were students at Swansea University or Gower College and played for the All Whites during their time there. All have since gone on to sign professional contracts with the Ospreys or other professional clubs.
Steve Jones of Gower College Swansea said: “The Gower College Swansea rugby academy have always had an unofficial partnership with Swansea RFC. This is easy to see with so many ex-Gower College students and players representing the Whites over the last few years. Now the partnership is official it will only strengthen our bond and hopefully give a clear pathway for all up and coming players in the Swansea area. With Gower College, Swansea RFC and Swansea University now all working closely together we can see a bright future for our student athletes and the game itself”.
Swansea head coach Hugh Gustafson added: “The success of the pathway has been shown by the players who have represented Swansea RFC and moved on to play for the Ospreys. Even players before my time such as Scott Otten, Nicky Smith, Richie Rees and Richard Kelly. We are excited to develop this pathway further and develop future players.”
We are delighted to be official partners with both schools and are hoping that all 3 organisations will be able to flourish for years to come. We are so pleased that Swansea RFC will be leading the way in developing the next generation of rugby players.