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Rugby Sevens

17 Feb 2017

Olympic medallist Burgess helps launch Loughborough Rugby Sevens Programme

On Wednesday 15th February 2017 Loughborough University launched its new look Rugby Sevens Programme, which is one of four Rugby Football Union (RFU) student hubs for Sevens.

The new RFU initiative, which aims to use four university hubs as a key part of its Sevens pathway, will come into full effective when the domestic Seven’s season kicks off in April.

Joining former England Seven’s player John Brake, who was unveiled as Loughborough’s new Seven’s coach, was Rio 2016 silver medallist Phil Burgess. Burgess, a Loughborough University alumnus, returned to his alma mater to take part in a Q&A session and put some of the Loughborough players through their paces in a training session.

Thanks to the additional funding from the RFU, the four Seven’s hubs will further develop player, coach and facility standards across the universities, as well as supporting talented Seven’s players with opportunities to be involved within the England Sevens pathway. Already Charlie Kingham and Will Edwards were part of the England Academy side that won in Dubai, whilst Sam Pointon has captained the GB Student Sevens.

Of the new RFU initiative, Loughborough Seven’s Head Coach John Brake commented: “By launching this hub we can create a pathway for students to excel by giving them elite support and training, so they can go on and showcase their talent as a Sevens player.”

Phil Burgess added: “It’ll be fantastic for players to have a direct route into Sevens. Having professional advice and coaching of such high calibre, with the sporting prowess here at Loughborough, will aid the players no end.

If I was in this position five or six years ago, it would have put me in an even better position. I think it’s incredibly exciting for both Sevens and the University.”