A rugby performance scholarship for elite men's and women's players, combining full-time rugby training with Ealing Trailfinders and degree study at Brunel University London.
About this scholarship
Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club and the Trailfinders Rugby Academy are committed to discovering and developing the most promising and aspirational rugby players, supporting their journey toward professional rugby through education. Developed in partnership with Brunel University London, the programme lets scholars pursue a degree — Foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, or research — while training as a professional rugby player in a full-time programme. It's run by more than 20 full-time staff, including rugby coaches, strength and conditioning specialists, medical staff, and sports psychologists, with much of the coaching staff crossing over with Ealing Trailfinders' senior team to ensure consistency. The programme is open to both men and women, and accepts applicants from the UK and worldwide. Since launching for men in 2018 and later extending to women, over 500 student-players have passed through the programme, with the partnership recently renewed for a further 10 years.
What the award includes
Cash bursary/financial assistance with university accommodation and tuition fees
Weekly elite-level coaching
Bespoke strength & conditioning programme set by Trailfinders S&C coaches
Medical support from both Brunel's and Trailfinders' medical teams
Sports psychology support
Placement in university accommodation near Brunel's sports facilities, alongside other sport scholars
Free membership to Brunel's sports facilities, including the Indoor Athletics Centre and strength & conditioning gym
Free access to Brunel's Lancaster Hotel spa facilities (ice pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room)
Free Brunel sports scholarship and Trailfinders training kit
Free season ticket access to Trailfinders' Championship campaign
Work experience and networking opportunities to support your degree
Access to industry professionals and life-skills education for performance scholars
Note: for students entering via a Foundation course or Brunel Pathway College in 2026/7, scholarship payment begins once they progress to Year 1/FHEQ Level 4 at Brunel
Who can apply
Open to elite men's and women's rugby players, from the UK or internationally
Must secure a place/offer at Brunel University London (Foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, or research course) — this is a separate requirement from the rugby assessment
Open to Home and international fee-paying students
No prior representative rugby pathway (e.g., international age-grade, county set-up) is required — players from all backgrounds are considered
Must be willing to be bound by the terms and conditions in the scholarship contract with Ealing Trailfinders Professional Rugby Management
Must be willing to act as a Student Ambassador for the programme, university, and college when requested
Must be available for all required rugby activities at both Brunel University London and Ealing Trailfinders RFC
Consents to Brunel sharing enrolment status and academic progression with Ealing Trailfinders Professional Rugby Management each year
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