Rugby success stories

Theo McKibbin Malins-Smith

“I had a great time and really evolved as both a person and a player.”

Whilst at Rugby School, Theo played 1st XV Rugby, 1st XI Cricket and then played rugby with Sport Lived in Australia during his gap year. After taking a degree in Ancient History at Nottingham University, where continued to play both rugby and cricket, he qualified as a chartered accountant and currently works in Valuation, Modelling and Economics for EY in London. He remains a keen sportsman, playing cricket for the MCC.

Ed Tellwright

“Playing in Australia was essential for my later rugby success.”

Ed took part in a Sport Lived rugby programme in Australia before studying for a BSc in Sports Biochemistry and Nutrition in Cardiff. While at university he represented England playing for English Students and British Universities. Ed also diversified into sevens with the Great Britain University 7's team and Samurai International where he was part of their winning team at the Middlesex 7s. He went on to play rugby professionally for Sale Sharks, Rotherham Titans, Jersey RFC and Coventry. Ed currently works as the South West Senior Manager for the British Business Bank.

Tim Swinson

“If I hadn't gone to Australia, I wouldn't be here now”

Tim played a full season rugby programme in Australia with Sport Lived before studying at Newcastle University. He was selected to play for Premiership team the Newcastle Falcons where he was named Player of the Year in 2010-11. He went on to play for Glasgow Warriors for eight years, during which time he also won 38 caps for his home nation of Scotland. He postponed retirement to play two seasons for Saracens before finally hanging up his boots in 2022. Tim now lives in Edinburgh where he works as a consultant for a firm of Chartered Accountants.

Phoebe Murray

“The level of coaching and training I received was outstanding.”

Phoebe’s passion for rugby started at the age of six and is still going strong! She played rugby with Sport Lived during her gap year and was subsequently appointed Captain of the England U20 rugby team for their successful summer tour of Canada. Today, Phoebe is studying medicine at Bristol University, where she also plays for the Bristol Bears, competing in the Allianz Premier 15s. Though becoming a doctor is her long-term plan, her more immediate ambition is to break into the England senior squad and play rugby full-time and professionally.

Jimmy Keinhorst

“The coaching, guidance and training all made for something really special.”

Jimmy completed a Sport Lived rugby programme before studying at Leeds Metropolitan University where he played rugby union for Leeds Met, British Universities and National League team Otley. While at university, Jimmy was spotted by the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League coaching staff and went on to sign for the club in 2011, and was part of the victorious Rhinos Super League winning team in 2015.

Andrew Bardsley

“Sport Lived gave me experiences and friends I would never otherwise have had.”

In his time at Giggleswick School, Andrew played First XV rugby and First XI cricket and represented the school at football, hockey and swimming. A sporting gap year followed with Sport Lived in Australia where he coached two school rugby teams for a season. He studied for a philosophy degree at the University of Stirling, and having always enjoyed the challenge of leading and building teams, he embarked on a career in training and development. Andrew is currently Head of Learning and Development at xDesign, an IT Consulting company in Edinburgh.

Alex Goble

“The experience in Australia helped me become a better player”

Alex played rugby with Sport Lived in Australia on his gap year, before heading to Nottingham Trent University to study for a BSc in Property. While at university he was selected to play for England Counties U20. Since graduating Alex has played professionally for Old Elthamians, and now plays part-time for Richmond RFC as well as working in property development.