Nelson College Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to December 8th!
Due to the complications caused by closing the application window on Thanksgiving weekend, we have decided to extend the Nelson College Scholarship application window until this Sunday, December 8th. We hope this will offer a fair opportunity to young players who might not have had the chance to apply this year.

The Nelson College Scholarship offers an incredible opportunity for male U.S. high school rugby players. Selected recipients will receive a full scholarship to train and compete at the renowned Nelson College in New Zealand from mid-April to mid-August 2025. This program covers all expenses, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in a world-class rugby experience.

Connor Bender, a 2024 Nelson College Scholarship recipient, has had a life-changing experience. He shared his insights into this transformative opportunity:

“New Zealand is now my home away from home. One of the most beautiful places one could ever see, and the people are just as beautiful. I was excited about going, but a bit nervous about how I'd feel there. The Nelson College family made me feel so welcome. Several times I was welcomed into their homes. I now have a family 8,000 miles away that I look forward to returning to see.”

Key details of the scholarship:

Open to male U.S. high school rugby players born in 2007 or later
Covers tuition, boarding, travel, insurance, uniforms, and more
Runs from mid-April to mid-August 2025
Application deadline: December 8, 2024

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this transformative experience, please encourage them to apply. This is a unique opportunity to develop rugby skills, gain international experience, and bring valuable knowledge back to their teams in America.

Timing: The scholarship for 2025, to be awarded by the end 2024, is for a roughly 4 1/2-month program at Nelson College from mid-April 2025 to mid-August 2025, which coincides with the start of the Nelson College rugby training and runs through the end of the Nelson College rugby season. The USRF President will announce the scholarship award winner(s) by the end of 2024.

Eligibility: The USRF is accepting applications from U.S. high school male rugby players who are in good standing with their rugby team and their school. Applicants must have been born in 2007 or later.

Key Characteristics: The Nelson College coaching staff is looking for players who “are mature, are coachable with a positive attitude, have a strong work ethic, and are resilient under pressure.”

Application Requirements: Each application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s rugby coach(es), his high school transcript and other relevant information explained in the on-line application. Finalists will be interviewed virtually by the Nelson College Scholarship Committee. Completed applications and all recommendations are due by December 8, 2024.

Apply Here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4994676
Learn More Here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bT6jLuS8rUTWhmUtorr4b7_Zp3uT2la1/view

Questions: Any questions about the Nelson College Scholarship program, the application process, the school, the rugby program, boarding arrangements, etc., should be directed to any one of the Nelson College Scholarship

Committee members below:
Jon Hinkin | (702) 267-8354 | jhinkin@usrugbyfoundation.com
John Decker | (859) 539-5124 | johndecker7@gmail.com
Sarah Kaler | (314) 602-7800 | kaler.sarah@gmail.com

If you have a specific technical question with regard to the application website, direct your question to:

Bob Benson | (650) 520-1060 | rwbenson@sbcglobal.net