Craven Week gets timely boost as sponsor comes on board for youth tournament

The new Craven Week brand partner is more than just a regular sponsor. It’ll serve as a pool to help players gain a tertiary education post-matric.

SA Rugby has unveiled STADIO Higher Education as the official partner of the U18 Craven Week tournament, which takes place from 3-8 July at Hoërskool Outeniqua in George.

As part of the agreement, which is for three years, STADIO will make three bursaries available to the U18 Craven Week Players of the Tournament (best back, best forward and best player), which will enable these players access to further their studies at a tertiary level.

This initiative underlines SA 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.

ASSISTING CRAVEN WEEK PLAYERS BEYOND THE RUGBY FIELD

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said that an education partner such as STADIO was extremely valuable for a number of reasons.

“We want to underline the message of the importance of education on all our channels and platforms,” said Oberholzer.

“It’s extremely important for us to ensure players are well-rounded with career options beyond rugby, so having a partner such as STADIO is crucial. We hope to see this partnership grow in the years to come.”

The partnership includes a parallel agreement with the SA Schools Rugby Association (SASRA) for STADIO to assist with education requirements of learners once they matriculate. It will also see access for STADIO’s education students to complete their practicals at a range of preferred schools country wide.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with SA Rugby and the SA Schools Rugby Association,” STADIO CEO Chris Vorster said.

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STADIO HIGHER EDUCATION’S BACKSTORY

STADIO offers more than 50 accredited qualifications via contact and distance learning across 14 campuses to more than 40 000 students. Qualifications include undergraduate degrees as well as postgraduate qualifications, ranging from honours degrees to doctorates.

STADIO Higher Education, which encompasses six faculties, resides within STADIO Holdings, which owns two more prestigious registered higher education institutions, namely AFDA and Milpark Education.

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