We’ve joined forces with one of the UK’s leading rugby union clubs, Sale Sharks, to deliver a tailored pathway that creates meaningful progression routes into their Premier Women’s Rugby and potentially international representation.
This exciting partnership will provide our students with enhanced playing experiences at elite venues, alongside personalised guidance for those aspiring to continue their rugby journey through higher education and professional sport.
A dedicated member of the Sale Sharks Women’s Pathway staff will visit Gateshead College every four weeks. These regular visits will offer expert coaching, mentoring, and hands-on support to strengthen our existing rugby provision and ensure our students receive high-quality development opportunities.
Michael Van Vuuren, rugby coach at Gateshead College, said “We are thrilled to be affiliated with such a prestigious club, renowned for its rich heritage in top-tier English rugby. This partnership will create additional opportunities for our female athletes, potentially paving the way for them to become professional rugby players or to represent England at the national level”.
As part of the collaboration, we will also receive bespoke recruitment information from Sale Sharks’ partner institution, Manchester Metropolitan University.
This tailored guidance will help students make informed decisions about their academic and athletic futures, creating a clear pathway to university-level study and elite-level rugby.
Mark Luffman, Head of Transition at Sale Sharks, said “Having previously worked in the North East, I know first-hand that it is a true hotbed of Women’s Rugby. The region is home to a number of outstanding community clubs that consistently produce talented and passionate players. This partnership is designed to show these athletes that their ambitions are within reach, with a direct route to elite-level rugby.
“Together, we aim to nurture the next generation of female rugby talent, providing them with the support, education, and opportunities they need to thrive both on and off the pitch.”
This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting women in sport and providing outstanding opportunities for student-athletes to thrive.
Interested in our Women’s Rugby Academy?
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