The Rugby Enterprise Academy (REA) is an innovative sport internship programme open to University students entering their second year or higher during the 2015/2016 academic year. The REA is a unique internship which gives students interested in the business of sport experience in fields such as commercial, marketing, social media and event management.
The new REA members will each be attached to a Principality Premiership or Championship club throughout the season where they will work with both the club and the WRU to complete projects ranging from opening hospitality boxes, interacting with sponsors to organising specific match day and non match day events.
The internship is not about coaching and focuses solely on the off-field business of rugby clubs and the modern day challenges faced by semi-professional sports businesses.
This will be the third intake of REA recruits and due to its success, it will see a small expansion. There are now opportunities in 24 different rugby clubs with a wide range of challenges ensuring that no two internships are the same. However, the REA is not limited to 24 places. Students who demonstrate commitment and clear potential will be accommodated within the REA structure.
In addition, there is an opportunity for a media support intern who would work closely with the other interns and the Welsh Rugby Union club operations and communications departments to help maximise the exposure for all Principality Premiership and SSE SWALEC Championship clubs.
WRU Group Head of Compliance Julie Paterson said, “The business of sport is an increasingly sought-after career pathway and our clubs can provide a unique insight into what it takes to be successful in that field. We are always looking for ways to work with our clubs to help them become more sustainable as businesses and the Rugby Enterprise Academy has proved beneficial to both the participating clubs and the successful applicants.”
Cardiff Metropolitan student Hannah Willis, who was based with Swansea last season said, “I wasn’t quite expecting how many unique opportunities would emerge from being involved in the Rugby Enterprise Academy”, and Sarah Jarvis, a University of South Wales student who was based with Bridgend added, “ Being a member of the Rugby Enterprise Academy has given me so many opportunities to further my own experience as well as develop new skills.”
Kevin Jarvis, committee member for Newport RFC said “Newport RFC were allocated a student who did a great job for us this season making a real contribution to the club. We are keen to engage other students of similar ability and keenness to continue our engagement with the internship.”
CLICK HERE for more information and to apply.
