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USA Rugby Foundation Nelson College Scholarships
Attend school and play rugby in New Zealand
[b]Nelson College Scholarship Application Open Two More Weeks[/b]
With only two weeks remaining, the window to apply for the 2026 Graham Downes International Scholarship at Nelson College is closing quickly. This isn’t just another scholarship — it represents the legacy of a man whose impact on rugby was defined by resilience, leadership, and a passion for growing the game.
Supported by the Graham Downes Fund, established in honor of Graham Downes whose journey from South Africa to U.S. rugby left a lasting mark, this scholarship allows student-athletes each year to experience his international grassroots upbringing. It's a rare chance to experience world-class rugby training, academic development, and international perspective immersed in a Tier 1 rugby country, the very things that shaped Graham into the influential figure he became.
What Makes This Opportunity Unique?
While the countdown tics away, it’s important to understand why this scholarship stands apart
- A direct connection to a storied rugby tradition, giving U.S. student-athletes each year access to the elite and unique rugby environment, even by New Zealand standards, of Nelson College.
- A bridge between international rugby cultures, allowing recipients to experience new training methods and perspectives they bring back to strengthen American rugby.
- A platform for personal growth, helping students return home more confident, mature, and prepared for long-term success on and off the pitch by having spent the time on their own immersed in New Zealand culture and making new life long friends.
- A living tribute to Graham Downes, heralding his belief that rugby builds character as players embrace its core values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.
You have 14 days to put your story forward. Use this time to refine your materials, reflect on your rugby journey, and show how you hope to contribute to the future of the sport.
The scholarship is for a roughly 4 1/2-month program at Nelson College from mid-April to mid-August, which coincides with the start of the Nelson College rugby training and runs through the end of the Nelson College rugby season. The USRF President will announce the scholarship award winner(s).