Syracuse University Announces Partnership With Leinster Rugby
Leinster Rugby, widely considered one of the most successful rugby organizations in the world, is partnering with Syracuse University to provide world class rugby coaching and training expertise to the University’s men’s and women’s rugby club sport programs.
As part of the initiative, Leinster, a premier Irish rugby organization, will appoint a coach to live in Syracuse and work with the University’s successful club programs. The partnership also will bring youth from around the nation to Syracuse for summer rugby skills camps, create coaching development programs, provide opportunities for students to learn in Leinster’s organization and explore exchange opportunities for Irish and Syracuse University students.
Shane Nolan, Leinster Rugby’s chief executive, says “Leinster is excited to begin its relationship with Syracuse University, an institution with a great history, excellent academic standards and values, and a strong rugby culture. As Leinster looks to build a presence in America, Syracuse is an ideal partner for us.”
As part of the new partnership, those student athletes will have access to the same coaching expertise that has helped Leinster develop into a global rugby power.
“This truly unique collaboration will enhance the student-athlete experience and raise the profile of rugby on campus, in Central New York and throughout the country. It will attract potential students to the University from around the world and expose our athletes to Leinster’s great sporting and professional culture.” - Bob Wilson, Syracuse University Rugby Head Coach
Founded in 1879, Leinster is a standard bearer among world rugby organizations. Known for its academy program, Leinster rugby athletes account for two-thirds of the Irish national team, currently ranked number one in the world. Leinster began exploring potential higher education partners with the intent of establishing an even stronger presence in the country in anticipation of the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups, which the U.S. will host for the first time in 2031 and 2033.
Portions of this article originally appeared in the March 21, 2023 edition of The Syracuse University News. The original article can be found here.
RugbyNY is the governing body for youth and high school rugby in the state of New York. They are a member of USA Youth & High School Rugby's Northeast region and are an officially recognized State Youth Rugby Organization (SYRO) by USA Rugby.
RugbyNY is registered with the New York State Department of State as a not-for-profit corporation and is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.