Oxford university rugby club and ashfold school announce new partnership

Oxford University Rugby Football Club is delighted to announce a new partnership with Ashfold School, establishing an exciting relationship focused on developing young players and creating meaningful links between school and university rugby.

This collaboration will provide Ashfold pupils with access to specialist coaching, mentorship, and opportunities to engage with Oxford University Rugby both on and off the field. The partnership is designed to inspire ambition, support skill development, and give students insight into the standards and experiences of a high-performance university environment.

Through the relationship, Ashfold pupils will benefit from coaching sessions delivered by OURFC players and staff, invitations to attend matchdays at Iffley Road, and opportunities to experience the unique environment of Oxford University Rugby first-hand. Both organisations share a commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and creating positive sporting experiences.

Scott Hall, Head of Partnerships at Oxford University Rugby Football Club, said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Ashfold School and are excited about the opportunities this relationship will create for their pupils. Partnerships like this are all about inspiring the next generation, supporting development, and giving young players a genuine insight into where rugby and education can take them. We’re looking forward to building a strong, long-term relationship with Ashfold and welcoming their students into the OURFC environment.”

Mike Rickner, Head at Ashfold School, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Oxford University Rugby Football Club. At Ashfold, we are passionate about providing our pupils with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and inspire both ambition and character. This partnership reflects our belief in being traditional with the innovative, honouring the rich heritage of the game while connecting our pupils with a modern, high-performance university environment.

Working with OURFC will allow our boys and girls to experience outstanding coaching, positive role models, and a genuine insight into where dedication, teamwork and a love of sport can lead. It aligns perfectly with our aim of developing confident, resilient and well-rounded young people, and we are excited about the opportunities this relationship will bring to the Ashfold community.”

This partnership marks the beginning of what both organisations hope will be a long and impactful relationship. With shared values around development, opportunity, and enjoyment of the game, Oxford University Rugby Football Club and Ashfold School look forward to working closely together to create memorable experiences for pupils both on and off the pitch.