The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) are delighted to announce QUT as their official education partner for the next three years.
The historic partnership will see the QRU and QUT work side-by-side to deliver outstanding outcomes for students, players and both organisations alike, a continuation of both the QRU and QUT’s existing commitments to excellence and innovation.
The partnership will provide several unique opportunities for both QUT students and Queensland Reds players.
From 2023, six QUT students per-year will have the opportunity to undertake work placement at Ballymore across the Professional Rugby, Game Development, Commercial, Marketing and Communications departments.
This dedicated work placement is designed to not only provide an opportunity for ambitious students to experience working within a professional sporting organisation, but also affords a platform for the QRU to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of some of the state’s brightest young minds.
As part of the agreement, QUT will also work with the QRU to increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as assisting in finalising and implementing the business’ updated Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
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 first class facilities across both campuses.
With an eye on the future, QUT’s logo will feature on the front of the jerseys of Queensland’s elite pathways teams – U15s, U16s and U19s – as well as the Reds’ media polo, wet weather jacket and media cap, showcasing QUT throughout Queensland, Australia and abroad.
QRU CEO David Hanham said: “We’re proud to partner with a 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.”
QUT Vice-President (Business Development) Professor Mark Harvey said the partnership would also highlight the possibilities of a university education to remote and rural communities, with the QUT logo appearing on Queensland junior elite pathways jerseys.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“Developing collaborations with industry and business ensures we develop graduates who are job-ready in a rapidly changing work environment.”
One of Australia’s most highly regarded tertiary institutions, QUT is home to over 50,000 students at their Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses in Brisbane.
With close links to industry and their relevant teaching and applied research, QUT is known as ‘the university for the real world’.
The addition of QUT to the QRU’s suite of commercial partners continues to develop an outstanding network of like-minded organisations with a focus on collaboration and helping the QRU achieve at the highest level, on and off the field.
