A COLLEGE has been officially accredited by the Rugby Football Union.

East Durham College, based in Peterlee, County Durham, has been named an RFU Community Rugby Accredited College, recognised by the RFU, the Women’s RFU and British Colleges Sport.

The award, which will last two years, was presented yesterday.

Matt Bryan, from the RFU, said: “This accreditation is in recognition of the well rounded rugby programme that East Durham College offers.

“We were very impressed with the all-round set-up at the college.”

Liam Gumbrill, the college’s head of rugby, said: “It’s a great achievement for the college to be awarded this accreditation.

The award is the result of two years’ hard work by all the coaching staff, players and sports development officer at the college.

“I believe East Durham College offers the best rugby development programme in the North-East.

“The number of students signing up to the rugby programme has increased over the past two years and it looks like this upward trend will continue.”

Former East Durham College rugby development centre students include current Bath and England prop David Wilson and Katy McLean and Rosie Fong, members of the England women’s team.