At Hartpury College, we boast a remarkable legacy of nurturing rugby talent while equipping athletes for a future beyond the game. Our commitment is to help you strike the perfect balance between your academic pursuits and your rugby aspirations.
As nine-time AASE National Champions, our track record speaks volumes. Among our distinguished alumni stand professional rugby luminaries such as Jonny May, Alex Cuthbert, and Ross Moriarty. Remarkably, over 200 of our students have earned international caps or secured professional contracts across the globe. Our extensive network of connections with professional and semi-professional clubs ensures that you can seamlessly blend your allegiance to Hartpury with commitments to external teams.
Off the field, you'll have unfettered access to our comprehensive performance services. From dedicated strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and nutritionists to comprehensive lifestyle management and game analysis, our team is dedicated to keeping you at the pinnacle of your performance.
Your academic journey is meticulously tailored to your needs, ensuring you extract the maximum value from your qualification and training regimen. In addition to weekly coaching sessions from our dedicated staff, you'll also have the opportunity to compete at your college sport's highest echelons. These leagues serve as your platform to vie against some of the UK's most formidable teams.
Assessment Days
Our assessment days will be held on Tuesday 29 October 2024 and Tuesday 18 February 2025, 9:00am – 1:00pm, for any prospective college students for the forthcoming academic year (September 2025). These assessment days are for rugby players who are looking to apply for an academic course here at Hartpury College and are designed to give both players and parents an introduction to the Rugby Academy.
It is strongly advised that all those wishing to be part of the Rugby Academy attend one of these days, as it is hoped that any unanswered questions regarding the rugby provision at Hartpury College will be able to be answered, in addition to students getting an initial feel for the level of the rugby programme that is provided.
"I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t come to Hartpury. It’s the best place I can think of to develop your rugby and further yourself academically."
Jonny May, England and Gloucester Rugby winger
"I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t come to Hartpury. It’s the best place I can think of to develop your rugby and further yourself academically."
Jonny May, England and Gloucester Rugby winger
Register your interest
Level 3 Foundation Diploma Sport (Rugby)
Develop your rugby performance and gain an understanding in all aspects of high performance rugby, from coaching to business. Enhance your knowledge and understanding of training techniques that can be applied to your personal development or as a sports leader. Reflect on your own performance and be equipped to develop as a player.
Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Rugby)
Develop your own rugby skills and performance, alongside the study of coaching and training. Gain valuable insight into techniques for a range of rugby populations, from young children to elite professional players. We will give you all the tools needed to examine your own play and team play, ensuring you improve and develop as a player throughout your time with us.
Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Sport and Exercise Science)
This course is the ideal launchpad for a career in sports science or sports therapy. Students on this course learn through a blend of academic and practical learning and undertake scientific research. Gain experience
using our world-class sports facilities.
Level 2 Extended Certificate Sport
If you’re looking to transition to Level 3 study but don't have the grades to do so straight from school, our Level 2 sports course is for you. Our students learn through a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, including trips and work experience, to gain an understanding of the competitive sports industries. On successful completion, you could progress onto our Level 3 sports courses.
For over 15 years, Hartpury College has been the nurturing ground for more than 250 aspiring athletes who have gone on to achieve international acclaim. From equestrian champions at the Olympics to our triumphant men's and women's rugby and men's football teams in the BUCS leagues, we are dedicated to cultivating the finest sporting talent.
Our Equine Academy offers world-class coaching to empower our equestrian athletes in their pursuit of competitive careers. Notable graduates include Astier Nicolas, an Olympic medallist at Rio, and dressage sensation Olivia Oakeley.
With representation in the top echelons of women's rugby - the Premier 15s and BUCS National League - coupled with previous BUCS championship victories, our university women's rugby team is truly exceptional. Guided by England star Natasha Hunt, we've proudly produced talents like Zoe Aldcroft, crowned World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year 2021.
Women’s Football Academy
In both football and futsal, our teams are active participants in the BUCS league. Our students are not only regulars in the Women's Futsal Super Series, aired live on BT Sport, but also frequently feature in club sides competing in the National League.
Our senior football program stands among the finest in the UK. With 11 BUCS Premier League titles and five BUCS national championships under our belt, we have consistently produced remarkable talents. Graduates like Abdul Majeed Waris, David Accam, and Mustapha Bundu, who represented Sierra Leone in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, speak to our program's excellence.
Five former students and staff members earned coveted spots in Team GB's rowing squad for the Tokyo Olympics. Our achievements extend to numerous Home International appearances, victories at prestigious events like Henley Regatta, National Schools, and BUCS Regatta, all while maintaining a strong partnership with British Rowing.
Our presence in top-level BUCS leagues, the BUCS Golf Tour, and competitions sanctioned by The R & A attests to the quality of our Golf Academy. Notable successes include former student George Bryant's victories at the English and Welsh BUCS Golf Championships and Joe Buenfeld's triumph at the Junior European Open.
Led by netball luminary Jess Shaw, our Netball Academy has earned its reputation as a Team Bath Netball Academy Development Centre and BUCS league champion. Our students are also integral members of Netball Superleague teams.
Our partners & accreditations
