men's performance rugby

We are incredibly excited to announce that, ahead of the 2026/27 season, University of Surrey and Harlequins Rugby Football Club will be expanding our partnership to include Men’s Rugby.

This is a huge step forward for our Men’s Rugby Performance Squad and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the programme. Through this partnership, our players will be further exposed to an elite performance environment designed to help them develop, compete, and reach their full potential both on and off the field.

Through our existing partnership with Harlequins, our Women’s team reached Women’s Super BUCS and we are excited to now further develop and grow our Men’s programme. This ambition is supported by our comprehensive Dual Career Programme providing academic flexibility, financial aid, and one-to-one practitioner support, allowing you to pursue your athletic and academic potential without compromise.

Why Surrey?

Surrey offers a distinct competitive edge: a world-class performance environment interwoven with the structure of a top-tier professional club. If your goal is to excel academically while developing for Premiership or international rugby, the University of Surrey has the pathway for you.

Performance Programme Benefits

  • Elite coaching and support from professional coaches.
  • Access to the Harlequins RFC Performance Gym for high-level Strength & Conditioning sessions.
  • Elite-level dedicated Strength & Conditioning coaching programme supported by experienced coaches and best-in-class technology including TeamBuildr and a full suite of VALD testing technology to optimise performance.
  • Fixtures and training observed by Harlequins Senior Academy coaches.
  • Opportunities for players to be invited into Harlequins Senior Academy training sessions when appropriate.
  • Professional standard GPS monitoring and match analysis using Hudl to support development and performance tracking.
  • Full-service player support including dedicated physiotherapy, massage clinic, medical support, performance nutrition, sports psychology and performance lifestyle advice.
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Gym
Gym 2
Gym 3
AGPs
Grass Pitches
Swimming pool
Studios
Arenas
Tennis Courts
Spin Studio
Treatment Room

Facilities

  • Dedicated all-weather training facilities at Surrey Sports Park including x10 Grass and x3 AGP pitches.
  • 50m, 8 lane, Olympic standard swimming pool for training and recovery including sauna and steam room.
  • Dedicated S&C sessions in the Harlequins Performance Gym.
  • Newly refurbished 120 station gym and strength & conditioning area with 9 Olympic platforms in Surrey Sports Park.
  • Outdoor gym rig, indoor halls, studios, squash, tennis, padel and more.

Coaching Staff

Richie Williams

Richie Williams

Head Coach:

Richie brings exceptional international coaching experience, having served as Head Coach of the Hungarian national team, Belgium Women's Sevens, and England Counties Under-20s, alongside directing university rugby programmes at Oxford Brookes and Cambridge Rugby Club. Most recently Attack Coach at Chinnor Rugby Club, where he secured promotion to the Championship helped deliver a top-six finish. Richie's blend of international pedigree and player development expertise makes him the perfect appointment to lead our programme into this exciting new era.

 

Ethan York

Ethan York

Assistant Coach:
 

A dynamic coach and active player with Bracknell RFC, Ethan bridges the gap between tactical theory and game-time execution. Having previously coached in the Gloucester-Hartpury pathway programme and England Age-Grade camps, he brings top-tier development experience to the USRFC squad. Ethan is dedicated to driving standards on and off the pitch, cultivating resilient, intelligent forward packs that dictate the tempo and physicality of any match.


Kirsty

Kirsty Hillier

Medical Lead:
 

We are proud to provide dedicated medical support, on and off the pitch, led by Kirsty - Team Surrey Medical Lead - herself a former player with Wasps RFC and Harlequins Rugby Football Club alongside being an England Rugby PHICIS qualified physiotherapist.


Dual Career FINANCIAL SUPPORT

A University Dual Career is a pathway where sport and education are both valued and is an opportunity for an individual to reach their sporting, academic, work and life potential. The Dual Career Programme is therefore in place to support high performance athletes who are studying alongside their sporting commitments.

Award Criteria

  • The Performance Tier supports high performing student-athletes who are also supported as a member of one of the seven High Performance Sport Squads.
  • The Talent Tier supports student-athletes who are part of professional or national development programmes and/or international student representation.
  • The Elite Tier supports student-athletes who have represented their country, performing on an international stage and/or at the highest-level in their sport.


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Benefits of the programme

  • Financial support to aid competition fees, travel, equipment, pre-season, accommodation & parking
  • 1-to-1 Practitioner support fund
  • Dedicated Performance Lifestyle advisor
  • Team Surrey Membership (fees paid)
  • Surrey Sports Park Membership (fees paid)
  • Dual Career Training kit

 
S&C

Academic support

Those who have been identified by Team Surrey and are part of the dual career programme may be eligible for grade reduction consideration. Students not taking a science A-level, can be considered for a Sports and Exercise Science with Foundation Year Bsc. This is on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on year of entry, and applicants must meet any subject-specific entry requirements.

How to get involved

Get in contact - we're here to help

Contact the Performance Sport team for any questions about the programme or joining the University through UCAS Clearing for the 2026/27 intake – performance@teamsurrey.co.uk (include your UCAS number if you have one)