STADIO joins WP Rugby as education partner

Western Province Rugby has finalised a three-year sponsorship agreement with STADIO Higher Education which will give the junior contracted players access to bursaries to further their studies at a tertiary level.

This initiative underlines WP Rugby’s focus on not only developing its players in the sport, but also ensuring their education receives priority to unlock options beyond their rugby careers.

STADIO Higher Education is a leading private higher education institution. It offers more than 50 accredited qualifications in eight schools via contact, distance and blended learning, across nine campuses, to over 42 000 students.

DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that an education partner like STADIO is extremely valuable for a number of reasons.

“We want our players to be well-rounded people with career options beyond rugby, so having a partner like STADIO is crucial.

“If our players are well educated it also takes the pressure off their rugby as the only career option and allows them to express themselves with freedom.

“We hope to see this partnership grow in the years to come,” he said.

STADIO CEO Chris Vorster commented: “At STADIO, we believe in the future of our nation and our message has resonated profoundly since our launch two years ago.

“We have made a difference by offering wide-ranging and affordable access to private higher education, and equipping our students to become the most empowered version of themselves.

“WP Rugby must be applauded for prioritising their players’ education outside the sport and we are proud to facilitate this process.”

Vorster explained that STADIO places its students at the heart of its ethos and will assist the Western Province Rugby players to complete their qualifications amidst the rigours of their stringent training regimes.

“We take a profound interest in what our students need. We offer higher education specially designed to meet industry requirements and to accommodate our students’ diverse lifestyles.

“We pride ourselves in providing excellent support and service. We ensure that our students are important and valued while keeping things simple and focusing on what’s important.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to assist these players,” he concluded.