Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) is celebrating an excellent rugby season, capping off a phenomenal performance with national recognition for its players, and a ground-breaking new partnership set to expand its already impressive rugby programme.

The past year has seen BTC rugby excel, with student-athletes making their mark at elite levels. Notably, George Williams and Tommy Bailey proudly represented the Bristol Bears Academy.

Bailey was a mainstay in the Under 17s squad, while Williams progressed from the Under 17s to compete in the prestigious Premiership Rugby Under 18 Academy League. Their dedication has been exemplary, and the College eagerly anticipates their continued development upon their return next season.

On the women’s side, Katie Thompson has distinguished herself as part of the England Rugby South West Player Development Group. This vital Rugby Football Union (RFU) initiative is designed to nurture high-potential players, supporting their transition into adult rugby.

The College’s Women’s Rugby programme, under the expert guidance of Coach Jess Matthews, has also seen a significant surge in participation, with more female students than ever before embracing the sport. With the Women’s World Cup on the horizon, there’s never been a more inspiring time to get involved in rugby.

A testament to its commitment to sporting excellence, the Men’s team also showcased their talent with a thrilling cup run in the National Colleges Cup, reaching the quarter-finals and narrowly losing to the eventual champions.

Looking ahead, BTC is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with All Golds Rugby League. This collaboration with the semi-professional Bristol-based team will further strengthen and diversify the College’s rugby provision, introducing students to the exciting world of Rugby League.

This new venture complements existing strong partnerships with Bristol Bears and Taunton Titans in Rugby Union. The All Golds alliance will extend rugby opportunities into the summer term, offering both male and female students the chance to test their skills in Rugby League, with pathways for further training and playing opportunities at the club’s Bristol base.

The All Golds are actively seeking to expand their Rugby League footprint across the South West, particularly within the further education sector. BTC provides a fertile ground for this growth in an area where Rugby League opportunities have traditionally been limited.

The partnership will feature All Golds coaches delivering sessions at the College, fostering a rich exchange of coaching expertise and athletic development.

The upcoming season promises to be another landmark year for Team BTC Rugby. Students interested in combining academic studies with high-level rugby development are encouraged to learn more by emailing Brett Harvey on harveyb@btc.ac.uk.

For more information on Sport and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.