The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has announced a partnership with NSR Australia, which will provide rugby youth in New Zealand the opportunity to pursue their sporting and academic ambitions through the US collegiate system.

Bay of Plenty Rugby joins 60 other provincial, state and national sporting federations in the partnership.

NSR Australia specialises in recruiting Australian and New Zealand student athletes and promoting them to over 2500 colleges and universities across the United States, based on their individual academic and athletic ability.

In the US collegiate system, these aspiring student athletes have the opportunity to earn the degree of their choice while competing in the sport they love full-time, potentially on scholarship.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and NSR will host trials throughout the Bay of Plenty in February, followed by personal interviews. Rugby players ranging from Year 9 through to first year out of college, will be invited to participate in the events and find out more about what the US College system has to offer.

'We are delighted to announce this partnership, which provides football players of all levels across New Zealand with an opportunity to enrich their lives through their passion for sport,” says Marco Maisano, CEO of NSR Australia and New Zealand.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Operations Manager Neil Alton says it is great opportunity for kids to align their rugby and academic aspirations.

'NSR are widely respected around the world and these skills evaluations provide Kiwis with a chance to learn about an alternative pathway, giving them the opportunity to play rugby overseas, whilst earning an education and some great life experience.”

Trial Dates:

Rotorua:

Date: February 18

Time: 9.00am – 11.00am

Where: Western Heights High School

Whakatane:

Date: February 18

Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Where: Whakatane High School

Tauranga:

Date: February 19

Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm

Where: Mount Maunganui Rugby Club, Blake Park