News

Despite the challenging times that we have all faced over the past year, London Welsh has certainly not been wasting the down time.

Many members and supporters will be fully aware of the pioneering work of the London Welsh RFC Careers HUB, and it is from this foundation that we bring great news.

We are delighted to announce that we have this week finalised an exciting new relationship with Cardiff Met. University RFC. The BUCS Super Rugby and renowned Welsh league side, has teamed up with our Mens and Womens performance squads in collaboration with the London Welsh RFC careers HUB.

London Welsh will offer a pathway for Cardiff Met Graduates and alumni via our careers HUB as we look to offer a route into employment in the Capital whilst playing for one of world rugbys most prestigious names.

The iniative will see the club work closely with Cardiff Met graduates in transitioning into life after university, this will include: 

- mentoring and career guidance through the HUB
- access to the clubs HUB career service and our vast database of industry professionals and contacts
-routes into direct employment in chosen careers
-assistance and logistical support in relocating to, and settling in, London
-teaming up with the performance playing squads providing the pathway to the 1st XV for both Men and Women
-The usual support programme that comes with playing for London Welsh RFC coaching excellence and development, nutrition, medical and physio services

As is so aptly coined by the London Welsh RFC HUB, the modus is to allow players to succeed on the pitch and excel off it! 

The initiative was launched this week with a first Zoom meeting between prospective graduates, London Welsh Senior Mens, Womens and HUB leaders and representatives from the Cardiff Met RFC management team. The gateway to the careers HUB has already started for the first tranche of players.

Cardiff Met Team Manager and Head of Lifestyle Support, Amber Regardsoe commented on the launch:

'At Cardiff Met RFC, each players holistic development over their 3 or 4 year journey and opportunities after university are something we are always looking to expand and build upon. Hearing about the great history and legacy of London Welsh and their aspirations for growth, development and future plans is not only super exciting but a testament to all of the time and effort everyone at London Welsh is putting back into the club. We are really looking forward to developing a working relationship to support our players, their rugby and professional development and London Welsh RFC'

Head of Mens Rugby at London Welsh, Jonathan Shankland: 

'We are delighted to have secured a further important relationship as we continue the building blocks in support of the clubs 5 year plan, part of our project reset. To have teamed up with Cardiff Met is testimony to our ambition and focus, as well as the clear dedication of the club and careers HUB to genuine player development in all aspects of life both on and off the field. We cannot wait to help so many fantastic players take that step into working life, to the exciting city that London is and of course to be part of what is one of World rugbys great names in London Welsh.'

With the announcement of staggered lifting of lock down and plans well advanced for the return of the performance squad to conditioning, we hope to see the first players arriving through the Cardiff Met portal in the coming 3-6 months.

We will update members and supporters regularly as to the progress of the initaive but keep your eyes peeled for some new names across the playing squads as we return to the field! Details will follow in the coming weeks of plans for some exciting fixtures that the club hopes to line up into what would be the end of the normal playing season....

To explore the new link with Cardiff Met, or indeed the wider opportunities available at London Welsh and through the London Welsh Careers HUB, you can contact HUB lead Haydn Parry at haydn.parry@londonwelshrfc.co.uk and do visit our London Welsh Careers HUB website at :
https://londonwelshhub.co.uk/

Amber Regardsoe can be contacted on: aregardsoe@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Other Key Contacts: 

Head of Mens Rugby Jonathan Shankland 
jonathan.shankland@londonwelshrfc.co.uk

Head of Womens Rugby, Ruth Barton
ruth.barton@londonwelshrfc.co.uk

We look forward to another blossoming relationship in the future of London Welsh RFC.