Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University has linked up with the Boroughmuir Bears as the countdown to the first ever FOSROC Super 6 fixture continues. 

The University has been announced as the side’s official education partner as preparations continue for the season’s curtain raiser tomorrow (Friday, 8 November) where the Bears will host Stirling County at Meggetland. 

The partnership will first and foremost see members of the University’s sport science team work with players to enhance performance levels. This will include access to Edinburgh Napier’s high performance gym and sports laboratories at its Sighthill campus which is currently home to the SRU’s FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy. 

Through the University’s Centre for Developing Athletes, players will also be given the opportunity to embrace Edinburgh Napier’s Dual Career policy which recognises and provides extra support for talented athletes in full-time or part-time education with the University. 

The collaboration will also see various opportunities for current students to partake within the Bears’ Super6 programme and to enhance their employability through involvement with marketing, media, promotional and event management projects, as well as sport science support. 

This part of the agreement will also extend to the Club providing opportunities for students to apply to sit on the Boards of both Boroughmuir Rugby and Boroughmuir Bears, giving them valuable experience in networking with professionals, developing skills in leadership and decision-making alongside making a positive impact within the Club itself.

Dr Susan Brown, Edinburgh Napier University lead for the Strategy for Sport, said: “This partnership affords the University the opportunity to further support semi-professional rugby at the same time as supporting the aspirations of our students who could gain valuable experience with Boroughmuir Rugby and Boroughmuir Bears Super6. The partnership will develop over the coming months and years and is intended to compliment the University’s Strategy for Sport by increasing engagement in sport for our students from across the University. The value of sport extends beyond participation, and it is hoped that partnerships such as this will add value to the student experience in multiple ways. I look forward to attending the very first Super6 match on Friday at Meggetland!”

Boroughmuir Bears Head Coach Graham Shiel said: “Partnering with Edinburgh Napier University has been fantastic for Boroughmuir Bears. We have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to use the University’s ENGAGE gym during our preparation for the upcoming FOSROC Super6 Competition which has provided the players with excellent facilities in which to train and progress their personal development. We have also benefitted from the support of staff from the University to enable us to support the physical development of our players, along with having recruited students who will support our programme and progress their own learning. 

“Although in the very early stages of the partnership, we have a very strong relationship with Edinburgh Napier University, which we hope to develop further over the season and in the years ahead to promote a stronger learning environment for all involved with Boroughmuir Bears as we evolve.”

Stevie Douglas, Boroughmuir RFC President, said: “We have had mutually beneficial links with Edinburgh Napier University for many years and it is great to be formalising our relationship. We are looking forward to working closer together to further opportunities for both.”