University Pathway & Partnerships Officer
Tommy Burkett
The Surrey Rugby University Pathway & Partnerships Officer is responsible for building strong, strategic relationships between Surrey Rugby and universities within—and linked to—the county.
The role enhances the Surrey Rugby player pathway, strengthens the U20s programme, promoteslocal club opportunities to student athletes, and supports universities in developing coaching, refereeing and rugby education initiatives. The postholder plays a key liaison role, ensuring clear communication, shared opportunities and a unified approach to supporting young adult rugby development across the region.
Key Responsibilities
1. University Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with all universities located within the county of Surrey.
- Act as the primary Surrey Rugby contact for University Directors of Rugby, Heads of Sport, coaches, rugby committees and student rugby clubs.
- Represent Surrey Rugby at university training sessions, matches and rugby events on a rolling rota.
2. Promotion of Surrey Rugby Pathways
- Promote the Surrey Rugby representative pathway to university players, coaches and student groups, with specific emphasis on the Surrey U20s programme.
- Increase awareness and visibility of Surrey Rugby opportunities, trials, development sessions and talent ID initiatives.
- Ensure university rugby programmes understand the progression routes available to student-athletes.
3. Enhancing the Surrey U20s Programme
- Develop effective partnerships that provide talent identification opportunities, shared training environments and joint development sessions between Surrey Rugby and university rugby programmes.
- Work closely with university coaches to identify high-potential players suitable for the county’s representative pathway.
4. Connecting Students to Local Clubs
- Promote appropriate local Surrey rugby clubs to students studying or residing in the university catchment.
- Facilitate introductions between university players and clubs seeking student athletes, supporting participation and player retention.
5. Coaching Development & Support
- Assist university rugby coaches with development, upskilling, and access to Surrey Rugby coaching support where appropriate.- Promote RFU Coaching CPDs and Surrey-delivered coaching sessions to university students and staff.
- Encourage university engagement with Surrey coaching networks and development opportunities.
6. Refereeing Development
- Promote “Take Up The Whistle” refereeing courses to university students.
- Promote pathways into the London Society of Rugby Football Union Referees (LSRFUR).
- Support the growth of new student referees to strengthen rugby provision across the county.
7. External Partnerships Beyond Surrey
- Engage with BUCS Super Rugby and Premiership university programmes beyond the county.
- Arrange for BUCS Heads of Rugby/Directors of Rugby to deliver themed sessions to Surrey U17s, giving players exposure to elite university rugby standards and environments.
8. Promoting University Opportunities to Surrey Youth Rugby
- Promote BUCS universities and higher education rugby opportunities to Surrey Colts.
- Establish links that provide Surrey youth players with opportunities to visit universities, attend development sessions, and experience the combined rugby and educational pathway.