GRAVESEND Rugby Club have joined forces with the University of Greenwich at Medway to entice students to tackle a mix of education with sport.

The club, based on Milton Road, Gravesend, has set up £1,000 bursaries, a first in north Kent, for three students in return for them training and playing with the club at weekends.

Gravesend, a London South East League Division Three club boasting five sides and a strong junior section, is hoping the three chosen students could be turning out in the club's black and white colours by October.

Director of rugby Malcolm Moaby said: "We are a very forward-looking club and are aiming to build momentum towards the national leagues in a few years.

"We hope the scheme with the University of Greenwich will provide us with first team players who will help push us up the leagues.

"The club want a partnership which will help attract players from outside the area and also help students with the costs of higher education."