U.S. Rugby Foundation Opens Applications for 2025 Nelson College Scholarships
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The United States Rugby Foundation (USRF) for a third year will award scholarships for high-school rugby players to attend Nelson College, a boys’ high school in Nelson, New Zealand known for its highly acclaimed rugby program.
“The more we can get Americans gaining more diverse experiences like this and playing more games the brighter our future” said Scott Lawrence, USA Rugby Men’s XV’s GM & Head Coach.
The USRF is now accepting applications for US-based scholar-athletes who excel in rugby to live, study and play rugby in this immersive setting. This highly competitive program helps advance each student’s cultural and academic development as well as give them the opportunity to elevate their rugby skills and use the experience to influence and raise the play of their high-school teammates upon their return.
Successful applicants demonstrate high academic achievement, maturity, superior athletic ability, excellent on-field rugby performance as well as potential for growth, leadership and character.
“In its third year, it is easy to see the rugby advancement that each scholarship awardee got from spending time at Nelson College,” said David Pool, USA Youth and High School Rugby President. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for elite HS rugby players looking to further improve their craft and we recommend this program strongly."
The USRF anticipates awarding one or two scholarships for the 2025 season. The scholarship covers the cost of attending Nelson College, including tuition; boarding either at the school or in a homestay; travel and medical insurance; uniforms; extracurricular activities; and NZ government and administrative fees. Airfare for the student to and from New Zealand is also included.
“Traveling to New Zealand to live, attend school and play rugby at Nelson College has without a doubt been one of the best experiences of my life. I came in having little idea what to expect, but even if I came in with high expectations they would have been easily surpassed,” said Oliver Kirk, a 2023 Nelson College Scholarship Recipient.
Timing: The scholarship for 2025, to be awarded by the end 2024, is for a roughly 4 1/2-month program at Nelson College from mid-April 2025 to mid-August 2025, which coincides with the start of the Nelson College rugby training and runs through the end of the Nelson College rugby season. The USRF President will announce the scholarship award winner(s) by the end of 2024.
Eligibility: The USRF is accepting applications from U.S. high school male rugby players who are in good standing with their rugby team and their school. Applicants must have been born in 2007 or later.
Key Characteristics: The Nelson College coaching staff is looking for players who “are mature, are coachable with a positive attitude, have a strong work ethic, and are resilient under pressure.”
Application Requirements: Each application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s rugby coach(es), his high school transcript and other relevant information explained in the on-line application. Finalists will be interviewed virtually by the Nelson College Scholarship Committee. Completed applications and all recommendations are due by November 22, 2024. There are no extensions.
Questions: Any questions about the Nelson College Scholarship program, the
application process, the school, the rugby program, boarding arrangements, etc., should be directed to any one of the Nelson College Scholarship Committee members below:
Jon Hinkin | (702) 267-8354 | jhinkin@usrugbyfoundation.com
John Decker | (859) 539-5124 | johndecker7@gmail.com
Sarah Kaler | (314) 602-7800 | kaler.sarah@gmail.com
If you have a specific technical question with regard to the Application form or the Application web site, direct your question to:
Bob Benson | (650) 520-1060 | rwbenson@sbcglobal.net
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