QUT signs on as a major partner with Queensland Rugby

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has agreed a sponsorship deal with the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and its Reds Super Rugby franchise for the next three years.

The partnership sees QUT become the education partner of the rugby governing body, creating education pathways for players and work-integrated learning for QUT students.

As part of the deal, the QUT logo will feature front of jersey with the QRU elite pathways teams (U15s, U16s and U19s) and on Reds player media polos, wet weather jackets and media caps, showcasing QUT to communities throughout Queensland, Australia and abroad.

In addition, each year six QUT students will be awarded work placements with the QRU in a variety of roles across the organisation’s professional rugby, game development, commercial, marketing and communications departments.

The opportunity will not only give students valuable work experience at a professional sporting organisation, but also see QRU benefit from the knowledge and expertise of some of the state’s brightest young minds, according to the new partners.

Commenting on the sponsorship, QUT Vice-President (Business Development) Professor, Mark Harvey said the agreement would give QUT students the opportunity for work placement at Ballymore in the Professional Rugby, Game Development, Commercial, Marketing and Communications departments.

He advised "some of our best students will have the opportunity to work within the QRU to further develop their skills and attributes in a professional sporting organisation.

“This will support students on their journey from high school to graduation and beyond and will give the chance for the QRU to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of some of the state’s brightest young minds.”

Professor Harvey said the partnership went both ways, with insights from professional rugby union could feed into research projects and the university curriculum.

The partnership provides a direct link to tertiary education for Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific and Super W players, shaping their future post-rugby, as well as offering access to QUT’s facilities across both campuses.

As part of the agreement, QUT will also work with the QRU on its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by exploring ways to increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in rugby.

QRU Chief Executive, David Hanham aded “we’re proud to partner with world class Queensland institution in QUT.

“It’s been clear throughout all of our conversations with QUT that we are extremely aligned in our values, drive and passion.

“This partnership will provide a wealth of opportunities for players and students alike, and our platform can help elevate QUT’s outstanding reputation.

“By the same token, QUT’s expertise across a number of fields will support the growth and development of Rugby in our state.

“We are looking forward to seeing our relationship truly come to life in the coming years.”

Lower image: QRU's David Hanham (left) with QUT Vice-President (Business Development) Professor Mark Harvey.