Head Rugby Coach Tom O’Neill Selected for Premiership Rugby Scholarship
The program, run in partnership between Premiership Rugby, Friends of the British Council, and USA Rugby, provides the coaches with a comprehensive introduction to the workings of four Premiership Rugby Clubs, as well as taking them through their USA Rugby Level 300 coaching qualification.
“I’m humbled by this opportunity to represent Emory & Henry College,” says Coach O’Neill. “I look forward to expanding my knowledge as a rugby coach and learning about their outreach programs and how we can implement them in our community. I hope to bring more recognition to the game of rugby and the Emory & Henry Rugby Team.”
While in England, Coach O’Neill will spend time with the professional set-ups at Bath Rugby, Bristol Bears, Gloucester Rugby and Worcester Warriors, taking part in rugby coaching and classroom sessions. He will also be taken through the Level 300 coach training course.
Coach O’Neill will have the opportunity to learn about and see in action Premiership Rugby’s award-winning community programs, which use rugby to create positive social impact. Each program is designed to tackle specific areas of society, engaging people across a wide range of backgrounds and age groups in increasing physical health, improving education and training, and tackling social isolation.
“In addition to the experiences they will have while here in the UK, we ensure the coaches receive long-term mentorship through an online coach education platform so they can continue to develop their skills and support their rugby communities back in the USA,” says Wayne Morris, Premiership Rugby’s Community and CSR Director.
The Men’s and Women’s Rugby Teams at Emory & Henry compete against other college club teams from around the region and in the Cardinal Athletic Conference. In 2019, Coach O’Neill was presented with the Cardinal Conference Coach of the Year award.
For more information, visit www.premiershiprugbyscholarships.co.uk and https://www.ehc.edu/admission/cost-financial-aid/performance-interest-scholarships/rugby/index.php.
- Coach O'Neill
I’m humbled by this opportunity to represent Emory & Henry College.I look forward to expanding my knowledge as a rugby coach and learning about their outreach programs and how we can implement them in our community.
- Coach O’Neill