RUGBY PROGRAM
Program Includes:
- Placement on Spanish team (Rugby 15)
- Weekly rugby training sessions throughtout the duration of the program
- 3-4 training sessions per week.
- Playing matches against other Spanish teams throughout the competition (Coach decision)
- License to play with Spanish team and compete in Spanish tournament throughout your stay.
Program Requirements:
- Students must have been playing rugby on their varsity team back at their home school university or at a club before the start of the program .
- Students must have their current head soccer coach complete the Coach form
- Students must complete the student form.
- Pay the athletic fees. Please contact the SAIIE resident director, Stuart Chipres, at director@saiie.com for payment information and methods of payment
Where Will You Play
As part of the SAIIE Rugby Program, athletes are integrated into the U23 academy squad of a top-level rugby club in Seville, competing at the highest level of the sport in Spain — the División de Honor.
This club is known for its elite development pathway, strong coaching staff, and intense competitive environment.
You'll gain exposure to European rugby culture while developing in a professional, performance-focused setting — an ideal preparation for continued collegiate competition or future professional opportunities.
Photo gallery:
Please note: If you have any questions, please contact the Program Manager, Sean Chipres, at seanrc@saiie.com
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE or EUSA UNIVERSITY. We offer courses in Art, Business, Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, Education, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Film Studies, History, Literature, Photography, Political Science, Sociology and Spanish language among other areas of study.
SAIIE has an agreement with the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse (UWL) who acts as our school of record.
To learn about the different academic programs that we offer please visit our website here.
PROGRAM cost, dates AND DEADLINES
Rugby program fees:
500€ - Semester students
850€ - Academic yearlong students
Cost includes:
- Rugby fees to acquire licence to play with Spanish team.
- Placement on a Spanish team (Rugby 15)
- 3 weekly training sessions throughout the term.
- Playing weekly matches against other Spanish teams (Coach decision)
- Official team equipment.
Please note: This is an additional cost to the overall program cost. Tuition and fees still apply
Fall term: Sept. 18, - Dec. 12, 2025
Spring term: Jan. 29 - May 8, 2026
faq's
If you do not see your question listed here please contact us.
What type of field will I be training on?
For most trainings, you will be playing on artificial turf. However, sometimes you may be training or playing on natural grass.
Which team will I join?
Our athletes are integrated into the U23 academy squad of a top-level rugby club in Seville, competing at the highest level of the sport in Spain — the División de Honor.
What type of rugby shoes do I need?
You will need rugby shoes suitable for artificial turf and natural grass grounds.
When do the training sessions take place?
Trainings will be held in the evenings. Generally starting around 7:00 pm. , 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm
How long are training sessions?
Trainings will be one in a half to two hours long.
How many training sessions take place a week?
There will be 2-3 training sessions per week depending on the time of the season.
Are the trainings held in Spanish?
Yes. You will be training with Spaniards, on a Spanish team, with Spanish coaches. This is an important aspect of the cultural immersion part of the program, as you will be surrounded by native Spanish speakers in a Spanish speaking environment which gives you a great opportunity to practice the language.
Is transportation to trainings included in the total program cost?
No, transportation is not included.
How much money will I need for transportation to and from trainings?
Approximately $100 per term.
How far are the training grounds from the school?
The rugby training grounds are about a 40 minute bus ride away.
Will I be able to go see an official professional rugby match?
Yes, we will organize to go watch a professional "División de Honor" match (professional Spanish Rugby League) in the spring and fall terms.
Will I play against other Spanish clubs?
You will get a license to be able to compete with your Spanish team weekly. It will depend of your coach if you play or not.