Building a strong and mutually rewarding relationship with Anglia Ruskin University is an important step in Chelmsford Rugby Club’s long-term plans for the future. As part of this new partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, members of the university’s rugby club are entitled to complimentary CRFC membership making it easier for students to represent both their university and the city they call home during term time.

As part of the agreement, the ARU rugby club trains at Coronation Park on Tuesday evenings with the students all having the option to do a “double” session and join in the club’s senior men’s and ladies squads training sessions.

One of the main goals of the partnership is to ensure that rugby in the city is inclusive to all.

Chelmsford RFC Chair Gabby Rowe says “Making rugby affordable for all is an important value at the club and this partnership lowers the cost of rugby for students in the city. We have already seen ladies from ARU play for the Bluebirds and we are pleased to see new members representing the city in our men’s teams” she goes on to say “It also helps the club play a bigger role in the development of rugby in the city and gives us access to a fantastic pool of talented young rugby players”.

ARU students can make full use of Chelmsford’s training and playing facilities and have the opportunity to play more fixtures for the club. Perhaps most importantly, they also benefit from being part of an experienced group of senior players and coaches. Students also have the opportunity to get involved in the social and volunteering side of the club should they wish to.

ARU Students, Daniel Western (left) and Dylan Asby (right), were amongst the first to take up this opportunity to represent the Blueboys and are pictured above after a tough game against Westcliff II’s on Saturday. The club also hosted ARU's first fixture of the season against Surrey University at Coronation Park on Wednesday, with the boys in blue winning 27-12.

Gabby Rowe goes on to say “Chelmsford RFC boasts nearly 500 Junior players and many of these young people will choose to study at ARU in the future. Having strong links between Chelmsford RFC and the city’s most prestigious educational institution is really important to us as a club”. We are really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together”.

For more information on what’s on offer at Anglia Ruskin University, please visit www.aru.ac.uk