Academy
AASE Scheme
Become a Bristol Rugby Apprentice
The Bristol Rugby Apprenticeship (AASE Scheme) is a relatively recent addition to the RFU Elite player pathway. The AASE programme is the preferred route for local and talented 16-19 year olds within full time education. The initiative has been put together by the RFU Elite department in conjunction with the RFU Academy network.
Those players involved compete in a tier one and national fixture programme (AASE League) that has been set up by the RFU Academy department, closely monitored by RFU Academy coaches and the England U18 National coaches. There are 14 AASE centres based all around the country within the RFU regional academy set up, Bristol Rugby being one. Bristol Rugby was the first such centre to be given accreditation with its partner college and as such is the lead centre for the RFU.
Mitch Eadie appearing for the Bristol Rugby against Clifton RFC in pre-season 2011-12
What is the AASE Programme?
The Bristol Rugby Apprenticeship programme is run in partnership with Filton College. Players study full-time at the College (eg. 3 A-levels or a Btec level 3 Diploma) and are integrated into the college rugby training and playing model, boasting 15-hours a week of contact with full time coaches, conditioning staff, sports scientists and physiotherapists. The Bristol Academy staff and college assessors then monitor both academic progress and rugby development using an NVQ Level 3 in Sporting Excellence as a vehicle.
The players compete in the AASE League- South against sides from London Wasps, London Irish, Exeter Chiefs and the SWERA Academies at Truro College and Ivybridge College. This competition then has a knock out section involving sides from the AASE League-North. The playing programme is also supplemented with friendly fixtures against other AASE Centres from the North, WRU U18 Regional sides and top rugby playing schools/tournaments. When players complete, they leave with a minimum of their full-time programme of study (eg. A-levels), an NVQ Level 3 in Sporting Excellence (Rugby Union) and RFU AASE Certification.
Filton College product James Letherby on the charge for Bristol Rugby's first team
Who Can Access the Model?
The Bristol Rugby Apprenticeship Scheme is designed for those local players who are talented enough from the Bristol Combination, Bristol Schools County Programme, Bristol Schools of Rugby and the Bristol Academy EPDG. Talented 16 years olds who have moved to or are looking to move to the area can also gain access to the programme. Many of the players who have come through this route have exited onto degree programmes at BUCS Premier Universities, into the club based ‘Opportunity Group’ and or into the local Bristol combination.
In recent years, several have gone onto sign academy contracts with Bristol Rugby and others have signed academy contracts with different clubs with Bristol’s blessing, having been released or exited from the academy pathway. Players who have recently come through this route and are currently in Liam Middleton’s Championship squad include George Watkins, Ben Glynn and Jack Gadd.
Darren Barry, who graduated through the AASE scheme, is now a first team regular
How do I become a Bristol Apprentice?
If you are a talented 16 or 17 year old you can apply directly to the college and enter the trial system. For more information or to register an interest you can contact George Tavner (Bristol AASE Manager) George.tavner@filton.ac.uk or Mike Hall (Bristol Academy Manager) mhall@bristolrugby.co.uk.
You can also visit the Filton College website for more information.
