Applications for Nelson Scholarship are Now Open
Applications for Nelson Scholarship are Now Open
The United States Rugby Foundation, in partnership with the Graham Downes International Rugby Scholarship Fund, is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Nelson College Rugby Scholarships.
This makes the fourth consecutive year that US high school rugby players will have an opportunity to attend Nelson College in Nelson, New Zealand, a boys high school globally recognized for its elite and highly acclaimed rugby program.
This scholarship is awarded to exceptional scholar-athletes who demonstrate academic excellence, maturity, superior athletic ability, high-level rugby performance, and a strong potential for growth, leadership and character development.
How the Nelson College Crucible Set Oliver Kirk Up for Success
"The Nelson College Scholarship represents an investment in the future of young men who strive to excel in both academics and rugby," said Brendan Keane, Head of Men's Player Systems and Development at USA Rugby. "By opening doors to world-class education and competition, this scholarship empowers student-athletes to grow as leaders on and off the field, while strengthening the bridge between American rugby and New Zealand’s rich rugby tradition. For the right young men, being immersed in the daily training environment at Nelson College is a valuable high school experience, particularly for those who strive toward becoming part of the U20 and U23 player pools.”
So far, seven student-athletes have gone through the Nelson program.
Oliver Kirk was (as the link above says) was asked back for a second year, helped Nelson win a South Island championship, and started for Cal as a freshman this past year, when they won the D1A Championship. Max Doerfler returned to the USA to captain St. Thomas Aquinas. An injury at the end of that season meant he had to defer his freshman year at college, but he is now attending West Point in his first year.
The 2024 attendees were JW Sarkees, who is now at Penn State in his freshman year, and Connor Bender, who helped lead St. Ignatius to a national championship this past spring before matriculating to the US Naval Academy, where he is in his freshman year.
Finally, this year, Chuck Gehl, Kolo Kahanu, and Jamie Clegg attended Nelson this past year. You can ready about their experiences in the links below.
Gehl: "Nelson College Experience Exceeds My Expectations"
Warmth in the Cold: Kolo Kahanu at Nelson College
Clegg Inspired to Pay Nelson College Experience Forward
This program isn't for everyone, but it provides a unique and special opportunity for a good student and a rugby player who wants to work hard to improve.
