Historic Edinburgh institutions partner

• 11 Jan 2024
• News

Capital institutions Edinburgh Rugby and The University of Edinburgh are delighted to announce the beginning of a new, wide-ranging strategic partnership.

The foundations of the new deal are built on sporting collaboration, which will see the two institutions working closely together on player recruitment, development, education, and coaching, and to enhance the University’s rugby programme.

The partnership also will offer Edinburgh Rugby access to the University’s world class training facilities, equipment, and support services and will extend off the field, with expertise available on both sides to support in the areas of teaching, volunteer experiences, match day experiences, as well as placement and internship opportunities.

The two institutions will also work together to explore further commercial, event and marketing collaboration opportunities, including showcasing the ‘University of Edinburgh’ logo on the Edinburgh Rugby matchday kit as the team takes to the field in front of a growing audience, locally in-stadium and globally on TV.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor: “We’re delighted with this new relationship which connects two of Edinburgh’s most successful institutions in a meaningful strategic partnership.

“We’re excited to work with Edinburgh Rugby to enhance the quality of our rugby programme and build and broaden our international sporting reputation”.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, added: “We’re delighted to partner with the University of Edinburgh, a globally recognised Edinburgh institution, and look forward to beginning what we hope will be a lasting and extensive relationship.

“The many opportunities to work together are as deep rooted as they are diverse and, over the coming years, we aim to maximise our collective potential for professional development, player recruitment and education for life after rugby, as well as facilities and expertise exchange.

“It’s a collaborative model that’s proven to be successful around the world and is certainly something we aspire to emulate to better support university and professional players at the various stages in their careers through a symbiotic relationship.”

Formed in 1857 The University Men’s Rugby Club were one of the eight founding members of the Scottish Rugby Union in 1873.

One year earlier, in 1872, the first representative Edinburgh Rugby side would take the field to face Glasgow, with three of the University’s players named in that trailblazing side (C W Cathcart, J Forsyth and M Sanderson).

The University has a strong history of producing and supporting top class players including 55 Scottish, 12 Irish and five English Internationals, as well as currently having one of the leading performance rugby programmes in university sport.

The Edinburgh University Ladies Rugby Club are at the forefront of the women’s game in Scotland with over 25 current students and alumni having represented their country.

Head of Performance Ladies Rugby at the University of Edinburgh, Claire Cruikshank, was recently appointed to lead the coaching team of the newly formed Edinburgh Rugby women’s team, which features eight current University of Edinburgh students.

Professor Colm Harmon, Vice Principal (Students) and Professor of Applied Economics:

“We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership will present our students.

“Not only for those involved in our rugby programme but for the wider student body.”