Promising local rugby players receive study scholarships   19 Jun 2014

Promising local rugby players receive study scholarships

Two promising rugby stars and two up-and-coming netball players will receive a free year’s study at CPIT, thanks to a new partnership between CPIT and sporting institutions.

CPIT and the CRFU have signed an agreement which has established two full annual scholarships for course fees for two rugby players identified by the CRFU.

CRFU academy manager, Aaron Webb, says he held discussions with CPIT chief executive Kay Giles about how important it is for athletes’ personal development that they are either working or in tertiary education.

“We wanted to assist the player financially to study and gain all the experience and value from studying, both educationally and life skills such as time management, organisation and dedication,” he says.

Alex Hodgman, who is studying a Bachelor of Applied Science, and Richard Mo’unga, who is studying a Bachelor of Applied Management, are the first two players to receive the scholarships.

Both are likely to play high-level rugby this year, with Alex playing for the New Zealand Barbarians and Richard playing for the NZ Under 20 team.

“We approached CPIT with two students we knew would be excellent role models and of high profile and were in need of financial assistance,” Webb says.

“We identify students we believe would gain great value from this scholarship and would be well equipped to role model and promote CPIT. They are generally some our top achievers on the rugby field.”

Harry Westrupp from CPIT’s Centre for Maori and Pasifika Achievement (CMPA) says he feels the partnership is a great collaboration.

“The scholarships help to prepare these students for life beyond their respective sporting careers,” he says.
The scholarship pays the course fees for the two students for the first year of their study.

CPIT will soon also be establishing a similar relationship with Netball Mainland, for a scholarship for two netball players.

ENDS

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