How Kiwi Rugby Players Are Earning Scholarships and Playing College Rugby in the U.S.

The U.S. college rugby pathway is real, it is funded, and it is more accessible than most NZ players realise. Platform Sports founder Amrit Rai has spent over a decade placing athletes from New Zealand and around the world into U.S. college programs across every division.

In this in-person session at Belfast Rugby Football Club, he will walk NZ rugby players and their families through exactly how the pathway works, what scholarships are realistic, and what the recruitment process actually involves from start to finish. If you are serious about taking your rugby further, this session will give you a clear picture of what is possible and what your next steps should be.

Why It's Worth Your Time

Most NZ rugby players who are good enough to pursue this pathway never do, not because the opportunity doesn't exist, but because nobody has ever laid it out clearly for them. The U.S. college rugby system offers scholarships, high-level competition, and a fully funded university education. For players aged 15 to 20 who are serious about their game and their future, it is one of the most significant opportunities available. This session exists to make sure Christchurch and wider NZ rugby athletes know it is there and know exactly how to pursue it.

What This Session Covers

This session focuses on giving athletes and families a clear understanding of the pathway:

What the U.S. college rugby system looks like and how it compares to the NZ pathway
How scholarships work and what is actually realistic for NZ players
The recruitment timeline and what athletes should be doing at each stage
What college coaches are genuinely looking for from international rugby players
The biggest mistakes players make in the recruitment process and how to avoid them
Eligibility requirements, NCAA compliance, and what families need to understand
A step-by-step breakdown of the pathway from where you are now to U.S. college
Live Q&A with Amrit

Your Speaker

Amrit Rai

Amrit Rai
Director, Platform Sports Management

Amrit founded Platform Sports in New Plymouth, New Zealand in 2014. Over the past decade, he has helped more than 2,000 student-athletes from 15 countries access U.S. college opportunities, securing over $200 million in scholarships in the process. He built Platform around a clear, transparent approach to recruitment and has guided athletes and families through every stage of the journey, from first contact with coaches through to graduation. He will be presenting in person at Belfast Rugby Football Club on 3 August.

Register Your Spot

Book a Free Athlete Consultation

Areas of Expertise

Recruitment Strategy • U.S. and U.K College Placement • Athlete Support

Australia / New Zealand / World-Wide

“We’re excited to add a college recruitment pathway for our users and partners, bringing together education and sport in a way that creates real, lasting opportunities. Even more so, we’re proud to do it alongside a like-minded company like Platform Sports.”

Bryce Poisel

Talentlockr, Founder

"Excited to be collaborating with Platform Sports Management to create a clear pathway for juniors chasing their dream of playing college golf in the U.S. I’ll be working alongside Platform to prepare athletes through all areas of performance, while Platform draws on their passion and industry experience to provide juniors with the best range of options and guidance on their journey."

Fit to Play

Adam Weeks, Owner

“At LifeTime, we pride ourselves on putting the players' needs first and taking a holistic approach to an athlete's development. We have chosen to work with Platform as we recognise those same values. Amrit and his team have gone above and beyond for our athletes and we look forward to continuing to work with Platform in the future.”

Marc Svenson

LifeTime Tennis Academy, Brisbane

“Amrit and Platform not only has an in-depth knowledge of the College system but works hard to make sure the athlete secures the right fit right from the start. They also genuinely cares about each athlete and continues to be there for them throughout their college career, and for me that makes a huge difference.”

Kevin Smith

PGA Pro Coach

“With Platform, I found a very personalised approach to the recruitment process. Ultimately, I feel that they genuinely care about the athletes they represent. This makes them stand out amongst the rest”

Jake Gardner

Director of the PBI Academy in Dubai

1. What is this presentation about?

This free session is designed to educate parents and athletes on how the US college system works for student athletes. We’ll cover scholarship opportunities, academic requirements, the recruitment process, and what life is like as a student-athlete in the US.

2. Who is this presentation for?

Parents of high school athletes (ages 14–18) who are interested in competing at the college level in the United States, either on scholarship or as part of a team.

3. Will this help my child get a scholarship?

Yes! We’ll walk you through how scholarships work, how to improve your child’s chances, and what college coaches are looking for in both athletes and students.

4. Do we need to be an elite athlete to be considered?

Not at all. We’ll explain the different levels of college competition (Division 1, Division 2, NAIA, JUCO) and how there are opportunities for a wide range of athletes—not just national champions.

5. What sports are covered in this presentation?

We can answer questions on any sport you compete in.

6. Will you explain the academic requirements too?

Yes, absolutely. We’ll cover GPA, SAT/ACT requirements (if needed), and how academics play a role in the recruitment and scholarship process.

7. Is this relevant for international families?

Yes! The presentation is tailored for international athletes looking to study and compete in the US. We’ll talk about the visa process, eligibility, and how international recruitment works.

8. Can we book a free consultation after the presentation?

Yes, Will will be around for a little while after the presentation. You can go ahead and book a private meeting with him. But be quick due to limited spots!

9. What happens after the presentation?

You’ll receive a follow-up pack with the full college roadmap, scholarship checklists, and an option to book a free one-on-one call with our team to discuss your child’s specific situation.

10. Is there any cost to attend?

No, the presentation is completely free to attend.