Harry Short

In partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Students’ Union and the University of Brighton, an exciting new role in student rugby has recently been announced at the University of Sussex, now filled by rugby coach Harry Short. 

The role was developed by the RFU to unite players at both universities, forging long term links between Brighton and Sussex, and driving lasting participation in rugby. 

The RFU are the main driving force behind the position, having provided the majority of the funding. Their hope is that students are more likely to continue their love of rugby post university if they participate in all aspects of the game.  They have rolled out the same position with other universities across the UK. 

Harry Short started the role in the autumn term and he has hit the ground running; promoting multiple training and social events.  

Speaking about his position Harry said: “I think this role will make a big impact on rugby at Sussex and Brighton. 

“I have already organised some great participation opportunities for students and the feedback has been really positive. 

“It doesn’t matter what university you go to, what level you’re at; beginner, social or club level, we want people to enjoy the game, have fun and keep playing for years to come.  Come and try it.”

Activities include O2 Touch Rugby every Thursday at Falmer Sports Complex and an ‘Inner-Warrior’ training session for Sussex This Girl Can Week, on 20 November.  The RFU's wider Inner-Warrior initiative is a series of women-only training camps in the UK, and you can find more information about this on their website.

A new XRugby7s session will be launched from 24 November, offering students another dimension of the game and new opportunities to get involved.  If watching sport is more appealing to you, there is also a social mixer afterwards at the Clubhouse bar where you will also be able to watch the England vs Australia game. 

University of Brighton students will be invited of course, and Sussex teams will then be invited to Brighton in turn. 

Alongside the RFU, both universities contributed to the creation of the position.  Sarah Hall, the Sports & Societies Development Manager at Sussex Students’ Union, had this to say of Harry’s new role: “We are very excited to have Harry in place as our new Rugby Cluster Officer.

“This post will create those much-needed pathways into the game through social rugby and continue players’ journeys within the game post university.

“The Students' Union and Sussex look forward to our relationship with the University of Brighton and the RFU growing stronger and to working together on more projects like this in the future."

To sign up for any of these sessions or for me information please contact Harry Short on harry.s@sussexstudent.com.