Marian College is partnering with St Bede’s College in their International Rugby Programme (IRP) from 2019.

Marian will be the partner school in the 22-week programme, hosting approximately 10 to 12 Year 12 students from overseas countries – mainly Japan.

Marian College Principal Mary-Lou Davidson says the IRP is an amazing opportunity to work with St Bede’s College in the area of international student pastoral care and high performance sport.

“As well as exposing our students to the opportunities high-level sport can offer, the programme will benefit IRP students and Marian students alike – through developing language skills, demonstrating manaakitanga and creating long-lasting friendships and connections,” Mrs Davidson says.

The IRP, which has been running for 17 years, is a high-performance programme which makes the use of the latest technologies and practice. International students participate in a combination of rugby training, coaching and academic learning. IRP students play for a combined team and have the option to play for a local club team. Last year, four IRP students went on to represent Japan in the Women's Rugby World Cup.

I don't think I was particularly outgoing when I first took part in the IRP, but thanks to the interaction with my team-mates and the other foreign players in the programme I improved not only my English skills, but also greatly enhanced my ability to communicate with people. I have no doubt that this was thanks to my having been in the IRP.  The pastoral care that is offered is first class, so the IRP is ideal for a young person going overseas on their first study experience. The growth that players achieve in just five and a half months in the programme is beyond what I could ever have imagined to be possible.

Reeko Tanaka IRP 2011 and 2012
PHOTO: MARK EALEY

Opportunities for Marian College families to host IRP students will become available in early 2019.
Please email exec@mariancollege.co.nz to register your interest.

Article added: Monday 10 September 2018