Harlequins Women partner with CCG

Chichester College Group (CCG) is delighted to announce new partnership with Harlequins Women.

This partnership will provide academic courses that will be combined with an elite rugby programme, operating from the Worthing College campus. 

As part of the new partnership, Harlequins will work closely with Worthing College to grow the rugby programme both on and off the pitch. Quins will also support recruitment activity by introducing suitable and talented students for enrolment into the Worthing College programme. With the aim of establishing itself as the leading women’s college rugby programme within the UK.

The Harlequins and Worthing College DiSE pathway will provide a unique playing and educational experience to support students throughout their journey. Expertise and support from Harlequins will benefit players at Worthing in every aspect of their game. Throughout the programme players will have access to expert coaching, S&C, medical, nutrition and education/lifestyle support. Alongside a superb education provided by Worthing College; currently rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Commenting, Andy Rhys Jones, Harlequins Women’s Analyst and Operations Manager, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with the Chichester College Group as we collaboratively look to grow our U18 pathway. Our Centre of Excellence programme is going from strength to strength and our new DISE partnership with Worthing College, led by Mark Rugman and his team, will be further strengthened by this”

“The development of our Women’s pathway is a major focus for us here at Quins and it’s great to see both Grace Clifford and Katie Shillaker, who are currently part of both the Centre of Excellence programme and Worthing College, joining the England U18 squad this year. We are looking forward to producing more national talent as we head towards the 2022/23 season and continue developing the next generation of Harlequins players.”

Andrew Green, Chief Executive of the Chichester College Group, which includes Worthing College, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Worthing College. Harlequins have a long and illustrious history as a founding member of the RFU, so to partner with them in the delivery of this exciting DiSE programme is truly something we are proud to a part of.

“Women’s rugby is growing in profile and across the Chichester College Group we are committed to offering our students the very best opportunities. This partnership shows we are doing just that and we look forward to seeing our female rugby stars flourish – both on and off the pitch.”