IMI is delighted to announce the awarding of two scholarships as part of our ongoing partnership with Rugby Players Ireland. This collaboration, aimed at supporting former athletes in their professional development, continues to foster opportunities that enable former rugby players to grow and develop in their careers off the field.

The two recipients of this year’s scholarships are Kieran Lewis and Paul Marshall. The scholarships will cover the full cost of their chosen programmes, which will begin this autumn.

Kieran Lewis has been awarded a scholarship for the Professional Diploma in Management, a programme designed to provide a thorough understanding of an organisation’s key functions, allowing participants to become more strategic and collaborative leaders.  Reflecting on the award, Kieran shared:

“I am undertaking the Professional Diploma in Management, with the aims of reflecting upon my management experience over the past 10 years and enhancing my skills across multiple management areas.

I have just moved from managing a specialist service (Occupational Therapy Service in Trinity College), to a broader remit of Mental Health and Well-being Lead within the Disability Service here in Trinity. This now involves managing a team of experienced therapists, budgets, projects, interconnection with other mental health services within Trinity and strategic development of our service within Trinity and nationally.

The Professional Diploma in Management will greatly enhance my ability to fulfil this role across strategic development, financial, HR functions, and management of individuals and teams across all aspects of the position.”

Similarly, Paul Marshall, Player Development Manager for Ulster, at Rugby Players Ireland will be pursuing a Professional Diploma in Leadership. Commenting on the scholarship, Paul said:

“I chose the Leadership programme for a variety of reasons. I have worked with several leaders who have led in many ways, so I have learned from observing how they led and have tried to incorporate some of their traits into my own leadership style. I want to further develop my skills and understanding of leadership to enable me to become a more confident leader. I am particularly interested in the modules on ‘The Psychology of Leadership’ and ‘Leading Change’. As a former sportsman, who is now working with elite athletes, leadership has always and continues to be at the forefront of my working life”.

These scholarships represent a significant step in our shared mission with Rugby Players Ireland to support the career development of former players. By providing financial assistance and encouragement to players seeking to expand their horizons, we hope to contribute to their success as they continue to develop in their careers.