Praise for Hartpury from RFU boss

The new chief executive of the RFU, Ian Ritchie, has praised Hartpury College’s Rugby Academy and the contribution the Principal has made to the sport.

The visit was part of an RFU fact-finding tour of rugby clubs around the country and Mr Ritchie toured the College’s Sports Academy and the recently constructed Gloucester Rugby training facilities with the College Principal, Malcolm Wharton, and the new Director of Elite Sport, Phil de Glanville.

Ian Ritchie said: “The World Cup is coming up in 2015, which is the third biggest sporting event in the world. Our success in 2015 is going to be down to the talent we are developing now. Hartpury’s track record at spotting and developing outstanding rugby talent really does speak for itself.”

“I was impressed by the facilities in the Sports Academy and the calibre and passion of the coaching staff really is outstanding at Hartpury. Ahead of his retirement, I would like to thank Malcolm Wharton for all he has done for our sport. I know with Phil’s appointment, rugby is in safe hands at Hartpury.” 

Malcolm Wharton said: “In the last ten years more than 100 Hartpury students have gone on to play at international level and I think it’s more than likely we are going to see Hartpury talent on display in 2015!  Rugby at Hartpury has benefited hugely from the support and leadership of the RFU and I know with Ian leading on the preparations for 2015 we are going to see more people across the country developing a passion for the sport.”

John Barnes, Head Coach of the senior and university teams, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to outline the fantastic work we do here at Hartpury, from the successes of our teams and our contribution to the national squads, right through to the students who volunteer in the local community.”