University for Rugby lovers: Turning a Passion into a Career

For many students who are passionate about rugby, finding a way to incorporate their love for the sport into their university studies can be a rewarding experience. Even if you don't attend a university in the UK with stereotypically good rugby links or excelling teams (like Loughborough, Exeter, Hartpury, Brunel), there are still ways to turn your passion into a career. Putting aside law and healthcare (medicine, physiotherapy) pathways that we have already covered on a separate post, here are some other degrees to consider for those who enjoy rugby:

1. Sports Science

Studying sports science can provide a comprehensive understanding of the human body, physical fitness, and nutrition - all of which are crucial aspects of rugby. This degree can also open up opportunities to work in sports performance analysis, coaching, or sports rehabilitation.

2. Physical Education

A degree in physical education can be an excellent choice for rugby enthusiasts who are interested in teaching or coaching. This program typically covers topics such as exercise physiology, sports psychology, and coaching techniques - all of which are directly applicable to rugby. Pursuing a career in teaching or coaching can be a fulfilling way to nurture the next generation of rugby enthusiasts and inspire more women and girls to put on their boots at an earlier stage.

3. Business with Sports Management

For those interested in the business side of sports, pursuing a degree in business with a concentration in sports management can be a great fit. This degree can lead to careers in sports marketing, event management, or sports administration - all of which are relevant to the sports industry, including rugby.

4. Journalism or Communications

If you have a passion for both rugby and writing, a degree in journalism or communications can be a good choice. This degree can open up opportunities to work as a sports journalist, commentator, or media relations specialist within the rugby world.

And for those wanting an ultra-specialised degree from the start, there are a few options across the country offering rugby specific degrees, like Leeds Beckett's BSc in Applied Sports Studies in Rugby League for high performing athletes or extensively experienced coaches. The University of South Wales also have a BSc in Rugby Coaching and Performance (supported by the WRU and Welsh rugby regions) to teach skills in coaching, leadership and enterprise.

Ultimately, the best degree for a rugby enthusiast will depend on your specific interests and career goals. By choosing a degree that aligns with your passion for rugby, you can combine academic pursuits with love for the sport, creating a fulfilling university experience. But really we think any degree can be used in a rugby career, from geography and language degrees teaching you skills for the globalisation of the sport and impact on the climate and it's people, to an engineering or computer science degree providing you with the knowledge to create new technology for VAR systems or GPS trackers in shirts.

Remember: playing or being involved in anyway with a club alongside your degree can open doors and enrich university life, and degrees to aid your rugby career can always be done at a later date (e.g. postgraduate level) or through some apprenticeship schemes.