Girls' Elite Rugby Programme

Trial expression of interest form 24 – 25 here

England Colleges Girl’s 7’s Winners 2024

Since September 2021 we have successfully ran our Girls' Elite Rugby Programme, which will be open to girls playing at County level or at centre of excellence (PDG) groups in year 11 who have aspirations to represent England Under 18s, Under 20s and beyond.

We aim to offer the perfect environment for talented and aspirational rugby players to combine their rugby development with a continued education. The girls Henley College Rugby Programme operates with championship level and local partner, Henley Hawks Rugby Club. You will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college sport whilst completing your studies in a variety of engaging BTEC, A Level or Foundation courses.

The programme will provide girls in years 12 and 13 the same opportunities as our Boys' Elite Rugby Programme, with focus on performance coaching, Strengthening, Conditioning, Medical Support and Video Analysis. 

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

Whilst the rugby programme requires a high level of commitment, your academic programme comes first. Students are expected to stay on top of their studies, with the rugby staff providing pastoral and holistic support in helping the students to manage their time effectively. The College has a diverse academic offer to suit the needs of the student, including 32 different A Levels and a wide range of BTEC and vocational courses.

Overall, there was a 97% A Level pass rate in 2019, with 21 subjects achieving a 100% pass rate. Many of our A Level rugby students study Physical Education, with 55.2% of students on this course achieving A*-B in 2019. The Henley College students have gone on to university at some of the top universities in the country such as Brunel, Bath, Loughborough, Cardiff Met, Nottingham Trent, Swansea and Exeter.

RUGBY PROGRAMME 

We continue to work hard to develop the all-round performance programme to take your rugby to the next level. The level of support offered at The Henley College is designed to mirror a professional rugby environment. Being on the programme, you will have regular access to a range of professional services created to develop and improve you as an all-round person and player. The rugby programme is integrated into students’ timetables. There are as a minimum 8 direct hours designated to the rugby programme throughout the week, plus Wednesday match days. This includes:

• Performance Coaching – we provide professional coaching which develops players technical and tactical skills through training and playing. The girls play in the England Rugby - Girls Performance College and School league.
• Video analysis – we employ a full time dedicated sports analyst who provides detailed feedback of match days and one to one individual reviews with players. Training is also recorded and uploaded onto our video software which players get access to.
• Strength & Conditioning – we provide a structured training programme to the students in order to help maximise their physical development and prepare them for the physical demands of rugby.
• Physiotherapy – we provide full time support through bookable prehab, rehab and treatment programmes on an individual basis, to maximise the players recovery and playing opportunities.
• Sports Psychology – we have access to sport psychologists who can help players cope better with not only the demands of their sport but also in managing their busy lives.
• Sports Nutrition & Supplements – we provide guidance, workshops and have access to specialists who can help educate players around nutrition for performance.
• Mentorship programme (Under development) – each student will be provided with a staff member at their induction who can support and guide them through their college journey.
• Lifestyle and Pastoral Support – we provide the necessary support for players to be able to balance their sporting and academic commitments.

Partnerships

SELECTION

Places on the programme will be offered based on prior experience, your rugby CV and performance in trials. Academically, applicants to Henley College will be required to meet certain criteria depending on the course you are applying for. Our squad compete at a very high level and applicants are expected to be capable of playing to at least County Standard. The Group is comprised of the top 30-40 players within the College's Elite Sports sector.

Testimonials

“My first year on the program has helped me grow not only as a player but as a person. It is an environment where we are encouraged to perform at the highest level every time we come to training. The program has helped me build upon my rugby skills to make me a better player by the specific feedback we get given, the 1-2-1 coaching that is provided and the support in S&C sessions. The team as well as the coaches provide a support system that is unmatched, both on and off the pitch. The balance between academics and rugby is done incredibly well allowing a focus on both.” – Lucy Sharpe, Year 1 student 2024.

THE NEXT STEP

If you would like more information regarding the programme, please email Josh Barlow via JBAR@henleycol.ac.uk