Study With Us

Alongside study

The Rugby Development Programme is an elite Rugby Academy in association with Wakefield Trinity RLFC for aspiring rugby players (male and female) that runs alongside your education.

Our unique approach to it alongside a top team of staff gives you the opportunity to develop as a player while studying on a course at Wakefield College.

The programme consists of a professionally designed bespoke Rugby League training programme involving coaching including Strength & Conditioning sessions, recovery and performance analysis sessions, revolving around weekly fixtures in the RFL National Category 3 League and Cup. We are recognised by the RFL as an accredited Development Academy for both males and females due to our level of success and progression into professional and elite level rugby.

As an RFL Development Academy we are also uniquely working with the RFL to create a pathway for aspiring referees. There is the opportunity to get qualified, up skill and supported as you begin your journey to become a Rugby League match official.

Your week will be balanced between your coursework, classes and RDP coaching sessions. Fixtures in the RFL national leagues and cups are on Wednesdays alongside regional tournaments and 9s festivals. As a player in the RDP, you must be studying on a full-time course at Wakefield College.

We are key partners with Wakefield Trinity which allows RDP students extra opportunities to train with the scholarship/reserve team and even the first team. There is also the chance to gain industry experience within the club and how it runs.

We pride ourselves on having the best staff around. Head Rugby Coach Matty Nicolson is the Head of Youth at Wakefield Trinity. Tutors are industry experts that pass on their knowledge and experience. We have a former body building World Champion (UIBBN & INBF), former athletes and tutors with international coaching experience and guest coaches from professional clubs and current professional players.

The courses available alongside the Rugby Development Programme range from Level 1 Sport to Level 3 Sport including Sport & Exercise Science – however, some courses may have limited access to training.

You will study modules such as Coaching & Leadership, Anatomy, Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology, Massage, Performance Analysis plus much more. You will also receive a rugby education designed by our Rugby and pro club coaches on developing skills, squad practices, how to break teams down and how to win.

The Rugby Development Programme is open to students aged 16-19 (male and female). Selection is through rugby trials during the spring and summer period. RDP players should be currently playing to a high standard relative to their age (scholarship/top grassroots). You must of course meet the entry criteria for your full-time course as well.

Students can progress into university at Wakefield College University Centre (and carry on their Rugby Development) or other UK universities to study a course of their choice. There is opportunities to travel to Australia and possibly Canada as the game grows and learn to coach and referee with RFL qualifications.