Benjamin Clay

Ben studies BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning at Hartpury and is currently on his placement year, working as a coach for U16s and U18s at Gloucester Rugby.

"As a child, I’d dreamt of studying at university and opted for Hartpury after being drawn to its rugby programme, high quality facilities and red and black uniform. The smaller size of the university helped make it feel like a community where students could easily build relationships with their lecturers and peers. If you invest yourself into the course, environment, and Hartpury itself, there’s no end to what you can achieve. I’ve been shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best coaches in the world, who provided me with the fundamental tools required to make me a great coach.

One of my favourite experiences that Hartpury helped me achieve was travelling to Canberra, Australia. The fantastic people I’ve met at university, on placement, and in Australia have helped me to realise that no matter how much you think you know, there’s always more to learn. My advice to anyone considering coming to Hartpury is: if you have the right dedication towards your goals, Hartpury will provide you with every opportunity you need to be successful."