What Rugby Athletes Need to Know About U.S. College Recruitment

With James Ambrosini (SASS Academy) & Platform Sports

Whether you’re a rugby athlete or competing in another code, this free live webinar will guide you through the U.S. college recruitment process with real-world advice from experts who’ve done it all.

Hosted by Platform Sports and featuring guest speaker James Ambrosini (former pro rugby player and Director of SASS Academy), this session is for athletes and families who want to turn sporting potential into global opportunity.

In this live conversation, we will share:

- Why talent alone isn’t enough and how to avoid the most common recruitment traps

- What the U.S. college recruitment timeline actually looks like (and how to stay on track)

- What rugby coaches want to see in a highlight video

- How to message U.S. coaches and actually get a reply

- How to build a standout profile: grades, sports, and leadership

- Scholarships explained: how athletic, academic, and need-based aid can work together

- How to choose a college that fits not just a name that impresses

You’ll leave this webinar with a clear action plan, expert insights, and a better understanding of how to take your game to the next level.

Meet Your Host

William Clarkson

William Clarkson grew up in Auckland and attended Rosmini College. As one of four brothers who represented New Zealand in the 2024 Lacrosse World Cup, William completed his own college recruitment journey, receiving one offer to attend Chestnut Hill College, where he competed in lacrosse for two years. After the COVID-19 outbreak cut his time short, William returned to New Zealand and joined Platform Sports. His goal is to provide student-athletes with more opportunities than he had, ensuring a better recruitment experience.

Guest Speaker - James Ambrosini, S.A.S.S Academy

James Ambrosini is the Founder and Director of High Performance S.A.S.S Academy, a leading athlete development program in South East Queensland that works with over 2,500 athletes annually across rugby league, rugby union, touch football and tag. A former professional rugby union player in Europe, James now dedicates his career to developing the next generation of “Athleaders” - athletes who excel both on and off the field through discipline, integrity, sacrifice and leadership.

Guest Speaker

James Ambrosini

Founder and Director of High Performance S.A.S.S Academy

“I’m genuinely excited about working with Platform Sports because it creates a bridge for our athletes to access U.S. college opportunities and pursue their sporting dreams on a global stage. At S.A.S.S Academy, our mission is to open doors for young athletes and prepare them for every challenge, so partnering with Platform Sports is the perfect alignment of values and vision.”

James Ambrosini

Founder and Director of High Performance S.A.S.S Academy

“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

"This partnership will connect our club and academy players with a trusted organisation that specialises in guiding talented athletes through the process of securing scholarships and placements at American universities. With Platform Sports’ expertise and network, players will gain access to professional advice, recruitment guidance, and support in balancing their academic ambitions with their football aspirations."

Blair Scoullar

Dunedin City Royals FC & The Royals Academy

“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

What is this webinar 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.

Will this help my child get a scholarship?

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

Do we need to have elite times or rankings to be considered?

Not necessarily. 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.

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.

Is this relevant for international families?

Yes! The webinar 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.

What happens after the webinar?

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.

Is there any cost to attend?

No, the webinar is completely free to attend.

What Rugby Athletes Need to Know About U.S. College Recruitment

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