July 7, 2023

UOW announces partnership with Rugby ATL to offer world class training facilities

Partnership aims to promote rugby in the United States and offer university’s world class education to students

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has entered into a new partnership with Rugby ATL, Atlanta’s Major League Rugby team.

The partnership is part of UOW’s Crusaders Global Rugby Program which enables students to study at the Wollongong campus while receiving training from the most successful club in Super Rugby and the top rugby franchise in the world—the Crusaders. It is one of the leading programs offered by UOW that will train the Rugby ATL’s Rugby Academy student-athletes who will be or are currently enrolled in universities.

UOW Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Innovation, Enterprise and External Relations) Professor Alex Frino welcomed the new partnership between the Crusaders Global Rugby Program and Rugby ATL and said the partnership will further strengthen UOW’s position as a world class producer of athletes and promote rugby on a global scale.

“We are delighted to partner with Rugby ATL and look forward to providing our world class facilities to train students on our campus,” Professor Frino said.

“The partnership is a testament to UOW’s leadership in providing world class training facilities and develop exceptional rugby skills of students undertaking a degree at UOW.

“Working with one of the top teams in Major League Rugby in Rugby ATL will help to advance the University of Wollongong’s objective of promoting rugby in the United States.

“We will look to assist them in developing the up-and-coming rugby talent in Atlanta by offering players at the Club and in the wider community an opportunity to study and progress their rugby skills in one of the top Rugby programs in the world in Australia.”

UOW Crusaders Global Rugby Program Head Coach Andy Gibson said the students will benefit from the new partnership and will gain a wide range of experiences and equip themselves with the skills needed to become a successful athlete.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming students on board through the Crusaders Way,” Mr Gibson said.

“Through our partnership we aim to promote rugby in the United States, a country that is very similar to Australia and shares the same passion for the development of sports among students from a very young age.”

Rugby ATL President Amanda Windsor White said: “This unique partnership also aims to serve as a guiding light in attracting more athletes to the sport of rugby.

“We hope this partnership between Rugby ATL and The University of Wollongong drives more student-athletes to consider taking up rugby or taking their play to the next level. With the ability to study at a top world university while honing one’s rugby skills, this opportunity is second to none.”

About Rugby ATL: 

Founded in 2020, Rugby ATL is Atlanta’s professional rugby team and part of Major League Rugby. Led by the values of PACE—People, Accountability, Create Change and Execution—Rugby ATL aims to develop leaders and citizens in the community and champions on the pitch. The Rattlers are part of a strong rugby culture in Atlanta which includes their partnership with 404 Rugby, a community exhibition program designed to develop excellence in the sport. Rugby ATL is headquartered in Marietta and plays matches at Silverbacks Park. For more information please visit, https://rugbyatl.rugby/