A UCOL Exercise and Sports Science student has landed a dream internship with New Zealand's most successful Super Rugby team.
A UCOL Exercise and Sports Science student has landed a dream internship with New Zealand's most successful Super Rugby team.
Soon to graduate with a UCOL Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Shaun Curry, 24, has signed on to a Strength and Conditioning internship with the Christchurch-based Crusaders rugby union franchise for 2016.
Having always been involved with rugby, including playing professionally for the Manawatu Turbos prior to studying at UCOL, Mr Curry says it was serious injuries that pushed him to consider his future options.
"My injuries required surgery and extended recovery time and I knew that even if I recovered, rugby wouldn't last forever; but I wanted to still work within the sport.
"I had heard that the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at UCOL offered lots of practical experience and placements which would help me enter back into the industry."
Mr Curry enrolled at UCOL as a mid-year student and was able to complete his degree six months early by taking two papers during each summer to catch up.
UCOL Exercise and Sports Science Lecturer Hayden Pritchard says that it was Mr Curry's commitment to his study and his passion for rugby that contributed to his success.
"Shaun always had a desire to be a strength and conditioning coach and I am thrilled that he has been offered this opportunity," Mr Pritchard says.
"It has come about by his intelligent choices of placements and voluntary involvement in the sport throughout his degree, as well as his background in the sport."
Mr Curry's lecturers encouraged him to apply for the internship and send through his CV, which was then followed with a Skype interview where he impressed the Crusaders Coaches with his passion. The internship will conclude at the end of the season next year, and Mr Curry is hopeful that further job opportunities may arise.
Mr Curry also recently placed second at the Battle of the Fittest Crossfit competition, and joined his gym Crossfit Mana in their winning bid at the New Zealand national Teams competition.
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