Rugby stars back in classroom

SUPER League players will be given help to prepare for their careers after rugby thanks to a series of programmes delivered by Warrington Collegiate.
Fifty players from across Super League, including Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings and St Helens, will have the opportunity to study a variety of vocational courses to help them take the next steps towards continuing their professional careers once their playing career comes to an end.
This builds on Warrington Collegiate’s existing strong relationship with the RFL clubs, with a dozen Super League players from Warrington and Salford already studying towards a Higher National Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science.
Wolves player, Trent Waterhouse, said: “I’m studying business with a view to running my own coffee shop. Although it’s been a while since I’ve been in a classroom, I’ve kept the study habit going through a correspondence course. There’s a few of us doing the same subject so it’ll be fun to study together and help each other out.”
Players, Paul Clough from St Helens and, Ian Thornley, from Wigan, have both chosen to study Accountancy.
Clough said: “Getting back to studying is exciting but daunting. I’m up for the challenge.”
Thornley added: “It’s certainly a different challenge from playing Rugby. It’s really good to be able to prepare for a second career for when I stop playing rugby.”
Widnes player, Joe Mellor, who will be studying Electrical Engineering, said: “Some of my friends have done apprenticeships at Warrington Collegiate and are doing well now. I’m keen to gain a first class qualification that will help me build my career after I finish playing.”
The RFL has been working alongside Warrington Collegiate to design and develop higher level education programmes to support the future careers and aspirations of the players covering qualifications such as business, enterprise, plumbing, electrical, accounting, and Leadership (ILM).
The courses commenced in mid-April, with the players attending their chosen course every Wednesday afternoon until late July, when they will complete their course.
RFL Operations Director Emma Rosewarne said: “The concept is part of the RFL’s continuing commitment to player welfare.
“We recognise the importance of preparing players for life after Rugby League and we aim to provide as many opportunities as possible to help them achieve their goals both on and off the pitch.
“These courses are designed to meet the needs and interests of the players who wish to develop their higher education skills to support their future careers.”