The United States Rugby Foundation (USRF) for a third year will award scholarships for high school rugby players to attend Nelson College, a boys’ high school in Nelson, New Zealand known for its highly acclaimed rugby program.
“The more we can get Americans gaining more diverse experiences like this and playing more games the brighter our future” said Scott Lawrence, USA Rugby Men’s 15s Head Coach and GM.
The USRF is now accepting applications for US-based scholar-athletes who excel in rugby to live, study and play rugby in this immersive setting. This highly competitive program helps advance each student’s cultural and academic development as well as give them the opportunity to elevate their rugby skills and use the experience to influence and raise the play of their high-school teammates upon their return.
Successful applicants demonstrate high academic achievement, maturity, superior athletic ability, excellent on-field rugby performance as well as potential for growth, leadership and character.
“In its third year, it is easy to see the rugby advancement that each scholarship awardee got from spending time at Nelson College,” said David Pool, USA Youth and High School
Rugby President. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for elite HS rugby players looking to further improve their craft and we recommend this program strongly."
The USRF anticipates awarding one or two scholarships for the 2025 season. The scholarship covers the cost of attending Nelson College, including tuition; boarding either at the school or in a homestay; travel and medical insurance; uniforms; extracurricular activities; and NZ government and administrative fees. Airfare for the student to and from New Zealand is also included.
“Traveling to New Zealand to live, attend school and play rugby at Nelson College has without a doubt been one of the best experiences of my life. I came in having little idea what to expect, but even if I came in with high expectations they would have been easily surpassed,” said Oliver Kirk, a 2023 Nelson College Scholarship Recipient.
