Gordon Rugby players will now have the opportunity to gain educational scholarships with the University of Technology Sydney. This is the result of a ground breaking 2 year sponsorship agreement between Gordon and the UTS for the 2013/14 seasons.
It is part of Gordon Rugby’s strategic plan to provide educational pathways for their players that will ultimately lead to a chosen professional field, and presenting UTS as the number one choice for players to complete their tertiary studies.
As part of the sponsorship agreement a number of Gordon Rugby / UTS Scholarships will be available to talented players to support them in their chosen courses at UTS.
Former Wallaby and current 1st Grade Colts coach Mark Hartill says the Scholarships will provide a unique opportunity only available to Gordon Rugby players. “This provides Gordon Junior Rugby players and others with a pathway to play at the highest level in the Sydney competition and at the same time financial support in their chosen University of Technology course at either the Broadway or Lindfield campus.”
The UTS logo will feature on the front of all Gordon Grade and Colts jerseys. UTS will also have primary branding rights on the scoreboard and grandstand at Chatswood Oval, starting in season 2013.
The club has already had an ongoing relationship with UTS over several years.. Several high profile players have been part of the UTS Elite and Emerging Athlete Program , as well as being members of the UTS Rugby Union 7s squad that won gold at the Australian University Games in 2011 season.
There will be opportunities for UTS students, in particular studying for Human Movement and Sports Management degrees, to take up internships with the club in strength and conditioning, video analysis, coaching or sports development
UTS Union CEO Liz Brett says the partnership will see some unique opportunities for the UTS Community. “For UTS to be involved with an elite Rugby club in NSW is a positive step and adds weight to the higher end of our holistic sporting program. It ticks a lot of boxes in terms of student and staff engagement, both passive and active, as well as providing the university with fantastic brand exposure. The partnership is complimentary as both parties are actively engaged in providing dual career and sporting pathways for students.”
Gordon is one of the iconic clubs in Sydney Rugby Union.The club has won the Sydney First Grade Premiership on eight occasions, and the Club Championship 13 times. The Gordon club has produced many great Australian Test players including former Wallaby captains Stirling Mortlock ,Peter Sullivan, Bob Davidson and Trevor Allen.