August 22, 2018
Dragons partnership extended to Women's Premiership
UOW foundation partner for inaugural NRL women's team
St George Illawarra has announced the University of Wollongong (UOW) as a foundation partner for the Dragons' inaugural NRL Women's Premiership team.
Last year's extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Dragons and UOW through to 2020 underpinned the mutually beneficial relationship between the two organisations; a relationship which has now extended to support the NRL Women's Premiership team that will compete in the elite women's competition in September.
University of Wollongong branding will reside on the back of the Dragons' Women's Premiership jerseys in another positive initiative between the club and UOW.
The NRL Women's Premiership squad have also continued to utilise the training facilities available on UOW's campus since their pre-season commenced at the beginning of August.
UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE, said the University was proud to extend its nine year old partnership to include the fastest growing segment of Rugby League.
“We have been pleased to see significant growth in female participation in all levels of higher education over many years and so we are naturally proud to support the Dragons in establishing an elite level women’s NRL team to be part of this exciting new era for the game.
“Since 2009, the partnership between UOW and the Dragons has delivered positive outcomes for both organisations through research, scholarships, community programs, internships, promotions and facility use as well as supporting good education outcomes for players studying at UOW and UOW College,” Professor Wellings said.
St George Illawarra Chief Operating Officer Michael McDonald was delighted to see the relationship between the Dragons and UOW extend to the club's Women's Premiership team.
"The Dragons took a one club approach when establishing our elite women's team, and we're pleased that the University of Wollongong have chosen to extend their partnership by becoming foundation partners for the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership," McDonald said.
"While our players will proudly showcase UOW branding on the back of their jerseys, this partnership also allows the squad to utilise the first class facilities available on the Wollongong campus, ensuring our team can reach the highest level of professionalism in preparation for the Premiership's commencement in September."
UOW Chief Finance Officer, Damien Israel, and St George Illawarra Dragons Chief Operating Officer, Michael McDonald, announce UOW's support for Dragon's inaugural NRL Women's Premiership team.