Womens Rugby Academy

The Programme

The Female Rugby Academy at SGS Sport offers athletes aged 16-19 a comprehensive opportunity to advance their athletic journey while enrolled at SGS College. Throughout their time in the SGS Sports Academy, learners benefit from up to 15 hours of contact time per week, which includes on-field training sessions, gym-based strength and conditioning sessions, and broader athlete development sessions covering psychology, nutrition, and brand awareness throughout the season. Additionally, all learners receive three individual feedback sessions annually with their coaches, focusing on academic development, personal needs, and areas for improvement.

The SGS Sport program also offers an extensive Sport Science and Medical package focused on injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. This includes strength and conditioning sessions, sports rehab, sports massage, and pitch-side first aid and matchday emergency cover at the SGS WISE Campus. Each academy benefits from two strength and conditioning sessions per week, delivered by our coaches across our two performance gyms. Additionally, a dedicated team of sports rehab professionals is available to support athletes in case of injury. We also collaborate closely with the academic sports department to provide work experience opportunities for students, including sports massage services for sports academy learners. SGS College offers a dedicated ice bath facility for student use. Furthermore, there are various placement opportunities for university-level students in sports psychology, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. For the 2024-25 academic year, SGS College, in collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire, is launching a paid MSc studentship opportunity. These initiatives aim to develop SGS College into a centre of sporting excellence and research.

The Female Rugby program begins each July with an extensive pre-season period that combines on-field sessions with team-building activities. The main program runs from September to May, with academic schedules structured to allow access to the Sports Academy offerings. During the season, training sessions are held on Monday afternoons and Friday mornings, featuring a mix of individual, squad, and unit-based sessions.

The SGS Sport Female Rugby games take place on Wednesday afternoons, where they compete in the RFU ACE League against top colleges nationwide. Additionally, the Female Rugby program includes extra fixtures against local colleges through various competitions. Each year, the program participates in the Rosslyn Park 7s tournament and organizes a series of overseas trips. In 2024, the Female Rugby program was selected to represent the RFU at the internationally renowned Sanex World Rugby 7s tournament in Japan. Furthermore, each year, those selected for DISE provision also benefit from a two-week trip to Tenerife.

Academic Qualifications

To participate in the Female Rugby programme at SGS College, all learners must be enrolled in a full-time academic qualification, such as Vocational qualifications or A Levels. Many learners choose to study disciplines like Sport, Sports Media, or Media at the WISE Campus, while others pursue A Levels or Business Studies at the Filton Campus. For those studying at the Filton Campus, a shuttle bus service is available to facilitate transportation to and from the WISE Campus.

Participation in the Sports Academy provision is contingent upon adherence to the SGS Sport Code of Conduct. This code outlines expectations regarding behaviour, attendance (maintained at 92% across all academic qualifications), timely submission of work, and adherence to sporting conduct standards. Compliance with these requirements ensures learners' eligibility for involvement in the Sports Academy program.

Partners and Progression

The SGS Sport Female Rugby program has a longstanding partnership with Bristol Bears, the premier sports provider in Bristol. This collaboration has enabled several athletes to advance to the highest level and play for Bristol Bears, including Rownita Marston, Lucy Burgess, and Jess Sprague, among others.

Moreover, the Female Rugby program serves as the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DISE) Provider for Bristol Bears. This designation enables high-performing athletes to pursue additional skills and qualifications alongside their rugby program at SGS College, further enhancing their development and opportunities within the sport. The DISE Qualification is worth an additional 64 UCAS points and is assessed through a portfolio of your student-athlete journey at the College. SGS Sport offers 6-7 places on the DISE Programme per year based on trials and references from our colleagues at Bristol Bears.

Our Alumni and Academy Success

Over the years, athletes from the SGS Female Rugby program have progressed to play for prestigious clubs such as Bristol Bears, Worcester, Gloucester, Saracens, Loughborough Lightning, and Firwood Waterloo. Many players have also advanced to age-grade rugby with England, Wales, and Ireland. Additionally, the SGS Female Rugby program has won multiple titles, including the Reigate 7s, Llandovery 7s, and West of England 7s. The team has also reached the finals of the AoC National Championships and the Rosslyn Park 7s on multiple occasions. The squad has been selected to represent the RFU at the Sanex World Youth Rugby Tournament in 2016, 2018, and 2024.

"My time at SGS has helped me grow both as a person and an athlete. The balance between the classes and academy helped me get prepared for once I finished college. The rugby academy helped me progress my skills in a professional environment." — Jess Sprague

"Shaped me into the player I am today, loved every moment at SGS." — Row Marsten

Team Successes:

• Reigate 7s Winners 2013, 2016
• Llandovery 7s Winners 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
• Berkhamsted 7s Winners 2014, 2015
• AoC South West Champions 2018
• AoC National Championships Silver Medallists 2019
• Sanix World Youth Rugby Tournament 2016, 2018, 2024
• West of England 7s Winners 2019
• HSBC Rosslyn Park, AASE Tournament Finalists 2013, 2017

International Honours:

• Chantelle Miell - England TDG U18s, England U20s, England 7s (full-time contract)
• Ellie Mulhearn - England TDG U18s, England U20s, England 15s
• Vicky Foxwell - England U18s 7s
• Lucie Skuse - England TDG U18s, England U20s, England Touch Team
• Lucy Burgess - England U18s 7s
• Rownita Marston - England Academy 15s
• Florence Long - England TDG U18s, England U20s
• Anwen Owen - Wales U18s
• Rhian Hughes - Ireland U18s 7s
• Charlotte Wright-Haley - England U18s 7s
• Milly O'Donnell - England TDG U18s
• Katie Harvey - England TDG U18s
• Amy Coggins - England TDG U18s
• Jessica Richards - England Touch Team
• Megan Richards - England Touch Team

Tyrells Premiership Rugby Players:

• Bristol Bears: Ellie Mulhearn, Rownita Marston, Sophie Phillips, Lucy Burgess, Lucie Skuse, Katie Harvey, Florence Long, Rhian Hughes, Charlotte Wright-Haley, Amy Godwin, Robyn Price, Anya Small, and Jess Sprague
• Worcester: Vicky Foxwell, Maddy Escott, Danielle Rigby, Amy Coggins, Milly O'Donnell
• Gloucester: Tara Godby, Shannon Stroud
• Saracens: Chantelle Miell
• Firwood Waterloo: Freya Hellin
• Loughborough Lightning: Rachael King