The weekend of the 22nd February saw Worthing College entertain 30 talented female rugby players from all over the South East of England and also Italy! The weekend was an opportunity for players to learn about our programme, train like an elite athlete and also meet the College’s sporting alumni.
On Friday 22nd players were welcomed with an introduction to the programme, tour of the campus and a strength and conditioning session with in-house specialist Sussex Performance Centre. Players were given detailed analysis and support in developing strength, specifically for rugby, along with exercises to do pre-match.
Saturday 23rd saw players participate in a rugby training session with Team GB and England 7s star Amy Wilson-Hardy, showcasing the skills needed to perform at the highest level of female rugby in the UK. The morning ended with a question and answer session, where Amy enlighten the players about the sacrifices and commitments to make it to the top of the women’s game.
Finally, the weekend was complete with the Christ Hospital 7s tournament, which allowed an opportunity for our development team (Greens) to showcase their 7s skills. The Greens finished runners up, winning 3 out of 4 games against established private schools.
It wasn’t only the Academy Open weekend, which showcased the Sporting Excellence Programme. The training session with Amy Wilson Hardy was set against the backdrop of the first County festival for U15s and U18s of 2019. Players from Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire competed throughout the day in 15s and X7s. Worthing College was again well represented with 11 players being involved in the Sussex U18s team, the most from any College in the South East of England.
“What a weekend of women’s rugby for our current and potential new applicants” said Mark Rugman (Sporting Excellence Academy Manager). “Firstly, to have 11 players from the College involved in the Sussex County set up, shows the current high standard of players we have on our programme. Secondly, to have a number of talented athletes visit our programme and show an interest in joining in 2019/2020, shows the College will remain a powerhouse of female rugby in the South East”.
For more information of the Women’s Rugby Sporting Excellence Academy contact Mark Rugman.
