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My time at USW provided me with practical experience across various disciplines, from performance analysis to exploring the impact of an innovative recovery method in professional sports.
From coaching roots to sports science
Rugby has been a lifelong passion of mine. I grew up playing and coaching in Argentina, where sport became a central part of my identity. My coaching journey took me across the world, but I wanted to deepen my understanding of how to optimise performance. That’s what led me to USW, where I first joined the Rugby Coaching and Performance course before transferring to Sport and Exercise Science to broaden my skills in physiology, psychology, nutrition, and leadership.
From the moment I joined USW, I felt supported and inspired to make the most of every opportunity. I immediately noticed how approachable and committed the lecturers were. Staff made me feel valued from day one, ensuring I had every opportunity to learn and apply my knowledge. The hands-on learning approach and the excellent facilities helped me feel like part of a professional environment, not just a student in a classroom.
Find your courseLearning through real industry experience
My time at USW has included incredible opportunities to work directly with elite athletes. I became a performance analyst for the Welsh Rugby Union, supporting the pathway national teams across two Six Nations tournaments and multiple international fixtures. Later, I worked with Newport County Academy on athletic development and joined a placement with Intense Factory Racing, a professional mountain bike team, supporting athletes with nutrition, recovery, and performance monitoring in Les Gets, France. I was also part of a research project on a clinical device used to enhance recovery in professional rugby players, working closely with Newport Dragons Rugby. These experiences gave me invaluable insights into how sports science operates at the highest level.
The USW Sport Park facilities are exceptional, from advanced lab technology to state-of-the-art gym spaces. Having access to elite-standard testing equipment and learning how to apply this knowledge in practical settings has been key to building my confidence and employability. I’m now considering a master’s in sports leadership, with the goal of combining my love for coaching and performance analysis in an international career. For anyone thinking about studying here, my advice is simple: take every opportunity USW offers. You’ll learn, grow, and find your place in sport.
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Interested in Sport?
The University of South Wales has a strong sporting background, an excellent reputation for sport degrees, and impressive facilities for our students to study and train in.