A new rugby academy will be set up in Limerick next year arising out of an alliance between Bohemians and the University of Limerick clubs. A key component of the academy will be the provision of scholarships for promising young players.

Scholarship students will be able to combine studying for a university qualification while also developing their rugby skills with the benefit of full-time training facilities, technical advice and personal development.

Under the new scheme, recipients of the full scholarships will benefit from on-campus accommodation, living expenses, meals, playing gear, course fees and sports facilities such as physiotherapy and training supervision.

In addition to these a number of part-time scholarships will be awarded, in which recipients will benefit from financial assistance toward their living expenses and access to the facilities at the University.

The university's sports' manager, Dave Maheedy, yesterday commented: "This is an exciting year in the history of sport and recreation on the University of Limerick campus. A massive £20 million has been invested in state of the art facilities that include Ireland's first 50-metre swimming pool. Now the University of Limerick proudly boasts the most extensive range of sports facilities anywhere in Ireland and beyond." A full-time director of rugby will be appointed to the academy, who will overview the entire programme, which will also incorporate continuous testing and monitoring of players, as well as full sports science back-up, nutritional advice and mental preparation.