The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is investing around £600,000 in the Rugby Union’s elite apprenticeship training programme this year.

The funding forms part of LSC’s nationwide series of Advanced Apprenticeships in Sporting Excellence (AASE), developed in partnership with SkillsActive.

The AASE programme in rugby is designed for promising athletes aged from 16 to 18 who wish to pursue a career in rugby and have the potential to achieve excellence in their game.

over 12 academies have signed up for the scheme, resulting in them forming partnerships with major clubs.

The initiative will see more than 200 apprentices work towards Level 3 qualifications, equivalent to 2 A levels, in partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

David Shaw, spokesperson for RFU, said: “This scheme offers young athletes the opportunity to combine their rugby development with the acquisition of meaningful academic qualifications by the AASE programme.

“For the first time, we can ensure that the work undertaken by the athletes within their academy programmes can be recognised as part of their academic achievement.”