Apply for the Nelson College Scholarship
Apply for the Nelson College Scholarship
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.
Nelson College Scholarship Players Loving the Experience
Kirk (Chicago Lions Youth) went to Nelson in 2023 along with Maz Doerfler of St. Thomas Aquinas in Kansas. Doerfler returned to become the STA captain and make the USA U18 team. He was accepted to West Point but has been able to defer a year after injuring his knee. He is currently rehabbing and set to attend West Point in the fall of 2025.
Kirk was invited back by Nelson College for this season and was their starting loosehead prop as they went on to win the South Island schools championship. He is now set to attend and play rugby at Cal.
In 2024, along with Kirk, JW Sarkees of the Greer 76ers and Connor Bender of St. Ignatius in Cleveland. Both players regularly for their age group and have now returned to lead their respective teams for their senior seasons.
Apply in 2024 for 2025
The scholarship for 2025, to be awarded by the end 2024, is for a roughly four-and-a-half-month program at Nelson College from mid-April 2025 to mid-August 2025, which coincides with the start of the Nelson College rugby training and runs through the end of the Nelson College rugby season. The USRF President will announce the scholarship award winner(s) by the end of 2024.
Completed applications and all recommendations are due by November 22, 2024. There are no extensions.
Who Is Eligible and How to Apply
The USRF is accepting applications from US high school male rugby players who are in good standing with their rugby team and their school. Applicants must have been born in 2007 or later.
Key Characteristics: The Nelson College coaching staff is looking for players who “are mature, are coachable with a positive attitude, have a strong work ethic, and are resilient under pressure.”
Each application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s rugby coach(es), his high school transcript and other relevant information explained in the on-line application. Finalists will be interviewed virtually by the Nelson College Scholarship Committee.
Questions
Any questions about the Nelson College Scholarship program, the application process, the school, the rugby program, boarding arrangements, etc., should be directed to any one of the Nelson College Scholarship Committee members below:
Jon Hinkin (702) 267-8354 jhinkin@usrugbyfoundation.com
John Decker (859) 539-5124 johndecker7@gmail.com
Sarah Kaler (314) 602-7800 kaler.sarah@gmail.com
Specific technical questions with regard to the Application website, direct your question to:
Robert Benson (650) 520-1060 rwbenson@sbcglobal.net
