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WOMEN’S RUGBY

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Women’s Rugby Sporting Excellence Academy at Worthing College combines a variety of academic pathways with high level training and performance in line with the RFU’s guidelines and Premiership clubs.

Worthing College is a unique Women’s Rugby College, as it plays at the highest standard in the UK. Worthing College is the only centre in the South East of England to offer a high level academic and sporting programme with the aim of producing young players for the England RFU set up.

The Sporting Excellence Academy provides students with the platform to develop their academic and playing performance with the opportunity to progress through the England pathway. During their time at Worthing College students have produced some outstanding results in the classroom, which have allowed students to progress into their chosen field, whether it be in employment, apprenticeships or University.

Pathway at Worthing College

The Harlequins Women – Worthing College Rugby Academy delivers a truly unique playing and educational experience. Players benefit from the direct support of Harlequins coaches and performance staff, gaining access to expertise in all areas of elite sport – from technical and tactical development to strength, conditioning, and mental performance.

TRAINING & MATCHES

The Women’s Rugby Academy provides 12 hours training a week with well qualified coaching staff, including strength and conditioning sessions in the Sussex Performance Centre on Fridays.

The squad competes most weeks, taking part in the following competitions, allowing maximum player and team development in both 15s and 7s:

  • AASE league 15 a side – 4 Competitions till Feb
  • Holland Trip – tournament v Holland v Germany V Belgium
  • Development League
  • AoC SE 7s regional qualifiers
  • AoC National 7s Women’s Cup
  • AoC National 7s National Championships
  • Rosslyn Park 7s
  • Sussex Schools 7s
  • Italy Trip v NE Region

Open Days / Subject Days

  • Sat 8th Nov / Rugby open day / 10:00
  • Sat TBC Jan / Parent & Player Meet Up / TBC
  • Sat 14th Feb / Assessment day 1 / 10:00
  • Fri 11th Apr / Assessment day 2/ 10:00

DiSE PROGRAMME

The Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) is a national qualification for players on an elite performance pathway, worth 64 UCAS points and studied alongside a player’s main course at Worthing College.

In partnership with Harlequins Women, the DiSE programme supports players in the England Rugby Player Development Group (PDG) or Academy system, focusing on their progression both on and off the field.

Key Areas Covered:

  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Nutrition & Recovery
  • Technical/Tactical Skills (individual & positional)
  • Off-Field Education (mentoring, planning, agent awareness, financial advice)

Players build a portfolio through written, verbal, and recorded evidence assessed throughout the programme.

Eligibility & Selection:

Players are nominated based on their Academy/PDG status, performance, and academic goals. Final selection includes a 1-to-1 interview with Pathway staff.

Harlequins Womens Rugby Academy at Worthing College

The Harlequins Worthing College Rugby Academy will provide a unique playing and educational experience supporting students throughout their journey.

Expertise and personnel from Harlequins will benefit players at Worthing College in every aspect of their game.

Throughout the programme, players will have access to expert coaching, S&C, nutrition, psychology, lifestyle and medical support.

Find out more about how the Harlequins Rugby and Worthing Academy programme will be delivered:

Harlequins Womens Rugby Academy at Worthing College

The Harlequins Worthing College Rugby Academy will provide a unique playing and educational experience supporting students throughout their journey.

Expertise and personnel from Harlequins will benefit players at Worthing College in every aspect of their game.

Throughout the programme, players will have access to expert coaching, S&C, nutrition, psychology, lifestyle and medical support.

Find out more about how the Harlequins Rugby and Worthing Academy programme will be delivered:

Alumni Stories

Worthing College Alumni keeps you in touch with the College and other former students.

If you’re an Alumni student and would like to share your success story on this page then get in touch by emailing us at: info@worthing.ac.uk.

Alumni who’s progressed.

 

Alumni Stories

Worthing College Alumni keeps you in touch with the College and other former students.

If you’re an Alumni student and would like to share your success story on this page then get in touch by emailing us at: info@worthing.ac.uk.

Alumni who’s progressed.

  • Solana Shaw De Leon – Harlequins Women
  • Aimee Bush – Harlequins Women
  • Katie Shillaker – Team GB and Harlequins Women
  • Jessie Spurrier – Harlequins Women & England U20s
  • Izzy Mayhew – Harlequins Women
  • Francessa Granzotto –Exeter Chiefs & Italy Women
  • Sara Seye –Ealing Trailfinders & Italy Women
  • Grace Clifford – Loughborough Lightning & England U20s
  • Sasha Roberts – Loughborough Lightning

 

“Both Worthing Rugby Club and Worthing College were a huge part of my journey towards elite sport, developing my professional attitude and the discipline required to play my sport at this level.”

Read Amy Wilson-Hardy’s story here

AMY WILSON-HARDY
ENGLAND AND TEAM GB RUGBY
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