Cardiff Met and Dragons RFC partnership opens new opportunities for students and rugby development
Cardiff Metropolitan University has strengthened its connections with professional rugby in Wales through a new partnership with Dragons RFC, creating opportunities for students, coaches and aspiring sports professionals to gain experience within the elite game.
Announced on Monday 19 October, the partnership will bring together Cardiff Met's expertise in sport education, research and performance with the professional rugby environment at Dragons RFC, helping to create stronger links between academic learning and the demands of elite sport.
For Cardiff Met students, the agreement will open up opportunities for industry placements, professional development and practical experience, providing valuable exposure to the world of professional rugby.
The collaboration will focus on coach education, applied research, talent pathways and student placements, with both organisations looking to share knowledge and expertise to support the development of players, coaches and performance practitioners.
Connecting university sport with the professional game
Rugby has a proud history at Cardiff Met, with the University's performance programmes providing a platform for student-athletes to develop alongside their academic studies.
The new partnership represents another step in connecting that university sporting environment with professional rugby, creating opportunities that extend beyond the playing field and into coaching, sports science, research and performance support.
Professor Rachael Langford, Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff Metropolitan University, welcomed the agreement and highlighted the shared values of the two organisations.
“As Wales’ Sporting University, we are delighted to formalise our partnership with Dragons RFC today. Dragons RFC is an organisation with a proud rugby heritage, deep roots across south-east Wales and an outstanding commitment to the communities it serves.
“This formal partnership brings our two organisations together through our shared commitment to developing the game of rugby and to education, inclusion and opportunity. By combining Cardiff Metropolitan University's expertise in sports education, research and professional practice with Dragons RFC's commitment to excellence and experience in development of the professional game, we will create new opportunities for students, coaches, support staff and practitioners, strengthening the future of rugby in Wales."
The agreement will also create opportunities for collaborative research, with Dragons RFC able to draw upon Cardiff Met's academic expertise to explore areas including player development, performance and wellbeing.
For students considering careers within the sporting industry, access to professional environments and experienced practitioners will help connect what they learn at university with the practical demands of their chosen profession.
Developing the next generation
The partnership extends beyond immediate playing and coaching opportunities, with both organisations committed to developing stronger pathways between education, employment and professional sport.
Rhys Blumberg, CEO at Dragons RFC, said the relationship would provide opportunities for both organisations to learn from one another.
“We are pleased to establish this formal partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University. Education, continuous learning and the development of people are essential to the long-term success of professional rugby, both on and off the field.
“Working with Cardiff Met will enable us to explore new opportunities in coach education, applied research, student placements and player development, while strengthening our links with the next generation of talent. We are particularly excited by the potential to share knowledge, create meaningful development pathways and work together on initiatives that benefit our performance environment and the wider community.”
The collaboration also supports Cardiff Met's wider ambition to be recognised as Wales' Sporting University, strengthening relationships with professional sporting organisations and creating opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills and experience required for careers in sport.
With education, research and professional rugby working more closely together, the new partnership aims to benefit both organisations while contributing to the continued development of rugby across Wales.
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