Saints Rugby celebrates 10-year partnership with Aldi

The University of St Andrews Rugby Programme, Saints Rugby, has marked 10 years of its relationship with Aldi by renewing its sport sponsorship deal with the supermarket chain for academic year 2024-2025.

The new 12-month contract will see the supermarket chain grow its engagement with Saints Sport and the Careers Centre in a bid to facilitate Aldi access to the most eligible candidates for early careers opportunities, whilst supporting St Andrews students onto their chosen career pathways.

Ranked as the 10th Best Graduate Employer in the UK by the Times Top 100, Aldi offer a range of exciting graduate opportunities in retail, including a highly sought-after Graduate Area Manager Programme and a host of roles across Aldi’s Stores, Warehouses, and Offices. Undergraduates can also explore year-long placements in Retail Management and various Head Office departments, each providing unique learning experiences and fantastic rewards.

Aldi has sponsored the University of St Andrews Rugby Club since 2014 and, through their long-term support, Aldi have helped grow the programme to be one of the largest and most prominent of the 50+ sports offered at St Andrews.

Led by full-time Director of Rugby, David Morris, the vision is to deliver a world-renowned university rugby programme. This will provide players with a unique rugby experience, as well as support enabling them to fulfil their potential and achieving sporting and academic excellence whilst studying at St Andrews.

Many of the Rugby Club’s 200 members commit to the performance programme, which helps foster key attributes that businesses like Aldi like to see in their colleagues, such as self-determination, drive, leadership, organisation, and vital social skills.

The Men’s 1^st XV is one of a small number of targeted performance teams at St Andrews and they recently reclaimed the Scottish Varsity Match trophy from ancient rivals, the University of Edinburgh, at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, in front of a crowd of over 4,500 fans.

University of St Andrews Rugby Club Men’s Club Captain, David MacRae, said: “This milestone allows us to reflect on what has, and continues to be, a fantastic partnership with Aldi. Over the past 10 years, Saints Rugby has experienced considerable growth, with the club now being able to field 6 competitive teams and being home to nearly 200 members. This progress has only been possible with the constant and unwavering support of Aldi, who we are delighted to renew our partnership with going forward.”

University of St Andrews Rugby Club Women’s President, Alex Millar, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate 10 years of partnership with Aldi, whose continued support has been invaluable to both our men’s and women’s rugby teams. This sponsorship allows us to grow as a club, providing opportunities for all our players to excel on and off the field. We are excited to continue this incredible journey together.  Thank you, Aldi!”

University of St Andrews Director of Rugby, David Morris, said: “I am delighted to see the University extend its long-term partnership with Aldi into the 2024-2025 academic year. We greatly value the long-standing relationship we have established over the last 10 years, which highlights the University’s reputation and that St Andrews students are highly valued by top graduate employers. We look forward to continuing to work together to provide opportunities for our students whilst increasing Aldi’s visibility on campus.”

A spokesperson from Aldi said: “We are thrilled to be renewing our valued partnership with the University of St Andrews Rugby Club – especially as this year will be the 10th anniversary. This long-running partnership is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm shared amongst our business and the university. As a highly esteemed and respected establishment, we were extremely keen to continue our work with the University of St Andrews and their talented Rugby team.

“We are proud to support them excel in their academic and sporting careers, as we share the same fundamental team values; developing skills that will provide endless opportunities for success. We look forward to following the team’s achievements throughout the sporting year and offer continued career advice, preparing students for life post-graduation.”