We have an outstanding track record of developing players as well as preparing them for a career beyond their sport. We’ll help you balance your studies and your rugby commitments.
We’re seven-times British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) National Champions. Among our graduates are professional players including Jonny May, Alex Cuthbert and Ross Moriarty. In fact, more than 200 of our students have gained international caps or signed professional contracts around the world.
You’ll benefit from our extensive links with professional and semi-professional clubs, allowing you to combine playing for Hartpury and an external team. Some players will have the chance to represent our RFU Championship side - the only student-led team in the league.
Off the pitch you’ll also have access to our performance services. Strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and nutritionists to lifestyle management and game analysis will keep you performing at your peak.
We design your timetable with you in mind, meaning you'll get the best from your qualification and your training. As well as weekly sessions from dedicated coaches, you’ll have opportunities to compete at your level of university sport. The British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues are your chance to compete against some of the UK’s top teams.
Assessment Days
Our assessment days will be held on Saturday 26 October 2024 and Saturday 29 March 2025, for any prospective university students for the forthcoming academic year (September 2025). These assessment days are for rugby players who are looking to apply for an academic course here at Hartpury University and are designed to give both players and parents an introduction to the Rugby Academy.
It is strongly advised that all those wishing to be part of the Rugby Academy attend one of these days, as it is hoped that any unanswered questions regarding the rugby provision at Hartpury University will be answered, in addition to students getting an initial feel for the level of the rugby programme that is provided.
Hartpury is proud to be a Rugby Football Union University Partner in recognition of its commitment to further enhancing the rugby experience for its students.
As the sport’s governing body in England, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) continues to give a huge endorsement to the work of its 14 partnership universities, which includes Hartpury, to develop rugby union.
"I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t come to Hartpury. It’s the best place I can think of to develop your rugby and further yourself academically."
Jonny May, England and Gloucester Rugby winger
"I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t come to Hartpury. It’s the best place I can think of to develop your rugby and further yourself academically."
Jonny May, England and Gloucester Rugby winger
Register your interest
MSc Strength and Conditioning
Join one of a select few CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity)-endorsed strength and conditioning courses in the UK. You’ll develop industry-relevant competences to the highest level.
BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport (with Foundation Year)
Make a difference to the lives of young people through physical education and school sport. Build the skills for a rewarding career, inspiring children to be more active, and improving their health and wellbeing through sport.
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy (with Foundation Year)
Graduate as a qualified sports therapist using our dedicated sports therapy clinic, working with the general population and athletes with support from industry experienced staff. The course is accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists, so you can be confident you’ll graduate ready for your career.
MSc Sports Coaching
This programme will support you to take your coaching to the next level by becoming a theoretically informed and evidence-based coaching practitioner.
Over 250 international athletes have developed their talents at Hartpury over the past 15 years. From equestrian medal-winners at the Olympics, to our BUCS-winning squads for men's and women's rugby and men's football, we nurture the very best talent.
Our equestrian athletes receive world-class coaching to develop their competition careers. Graduates include Rio Olympic medal winner Astier Nicolas and dressage star Olivia Oakeley.
We have teams in the top tier of women’s rugby; the Premier 15s, and BUCS National League, and are previous BUCS champions. Our university team is coached by England star, Natasha Hunt. Recently, graduate Zoe Aldcroft was named World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year 2021.
We have teams in the BUCS league for football and futsal. Students play regularly in the Women's Futsal Super Series live on BT Sport. Players also feature for club sides in the National League.
Our senior football programme is among the best in the UK. We're 11-time BUCS Premier League winners and five-time BUCS national champions. Successful graduates include Ghana internationals Abdul Majeed Waris and David Accam, and Mustapha Bundu who played for Sierra Leone in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
Five former students and staff were named in Team GB rowing squad for the Tokyo Olympics. We've seen numerous Home International appearances, as well as Henley Regatta, National Schools and BUCS Regatta wins. We have a strong relationship with British Rowing.
We play in the top levels in the BUCS leagues, BUCS Golf Tour and The R & A competitions. Former student George Bryant won the English and Welsh BUCS Golf Championship, and Joe Buenfeld won the Junior European Open.
Our Netball Academy is coached by netball star Jess Shaw. We're a Team Bath Netball Academy Development Centre and BUCS league winners. Students play for Netball Superleague teams.
Our partners & accreditations
