Teamwork for success - Ospreys and Swansea University agree working relationship

The partnership, that will formalise and build on an existing relationship between the two businesses, has been agreed between Ospreys Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Hore, and Professor Noel Thompson, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Swansea University.

Among the benefits of the enhanced working relationship will be an opportunity to share international links, promoting Swansea as the Welsh capital city of sport on a global stage, with the University home to the Ospreys European Summer Camps which were launched earlier this year, along with opportunities for the two organisations to take advantage of each others reach into new territories.

In addition, with the University fast developing a reputation for sporting excellence, the tie-up with the Ospreys will have mutual benefits on both sides with individual departments sharing knowledge, information and resources, in relation to research, marketing and branding. The University will also be able to offer specially tailored higher education opportunities for Ospreys players.

The Ospreys Community Development team will also become more involved in the delivery of rugby at the University and putting in place an enhanced coach development programme.

Swansea University Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Noel Thompson said:

"This agreement represents a major addition to the sports offering of the University, putting our good links with the Ospreys onto a very firm footing, ensuring we work well together to promote rugby, sport and our region.

"At Swansea University we are serious about sporting success. We have already invested £20 million in our Sports Village. We partner the City and County of Swansea in supporting the Welsh National Pool and, with Bay Leisure, we are running 360o, the new Watersports Centre near St Helens.

"We want to be able to offer our students an outstanding sporting experience. This agreement will help us achieve that, and I hope it will lead to other opportunities for co-operation between the University and the Ospreys."

Andrew Hore commented:

"This is really exciting news for both Ospreys Rugby and Swansea University. We are two forward thinking and innovative organisations who lead the way in our respective fields and are proud to represent the south-west Wales region, working together to raise the profile of the area and striving to remain at the forefront of what we do.

"Through working together, we can ensure we achieve that goal. Both organisations boast staff who are committed to being the best, and sharing resources, ideas, and where possible working practices, will allow us both to continue to lead the way. Likewise, the marketing and branding opportunities that two renowned organisations working together will allow can only be of benefit to all involved. We are also able to offer practical workplace experience for students on projects of real value that will benefit them in their long-term career aspirations.

"This is a wonderful time for sport in Swansea, and we can justifiably say that the Liberty Stadium is home to Wales' number one football club and rugby region. The opportunities this throws up are enormous, and we really have a chance to establish Swansea as a city of sporting excellence. There are plenty of great sports cities around the world with more than one elite team, and Swansea can be right up there."