Bond Rugby

Built for physical performance and career momentum

Bond supports rugby athletes competing across union, league and emerging professional pathways, offering a flexible academic environment that understands the physical and scheduling demands of high‑performance rugby.

This pathway is designed for athletes pursuing elite competition while preparing for life beyond the field.

2025 Rugby Grand Final Highlights

Supporting the rugby athlete journey

Rugby athletes at Bond may be competing in school or academy systems, progressing through state or franchise pathways, or balancing pre‑professional or semi‑professional commitments. Bond supports athletes through heavy contact loads, travel schedules and recovery needs.
 

Performance‑led environment

Rugby athletes benefit from strength and conditioning programs designed for contact sport demands, and access to recovery facilities. The training environments at bond prioritise durability and longevity. And academic planning aligns with training blocks and competition periods.

Preparing for what's next

Rugby careers can be unpredictable. Bond’s pathway ensures athletes continue building qualifications and professional skills, leadership and communication capability, and confidence beyond sport.

Meet our coaches and mentors

  • Mick Heenan

    Premier Men Head Coach

    This seven-time Hospital Cup winner is the most successful coach in Queensland Premier Rugby history, and he's in charge at the Bull Sharks. 

  • Rico Gear

    Premier Assistant Coach

    Once a try-scoring machine for the All Blacks and in Super Rugby, Rico Gear brings a lifetime of knowledge to his role as Premier Assistant Coach.  

  • Setu Naseri

    Premier Women Head Coach

    Internationally experienced coach who has worked across all programs in Bond Rugby. Setu is a primary influencer behind the success of the Bond University Women’s program and has been instrumental in their four successive premierships.

  • Adam Fahey

    Colts (u20s) Program Head Coach

    Experienced coach. Formally with Brumbies development programs and Queensland Country Representative teams.

  • Tim Heath

    Rugby Operations and Events

    Heath has decades of experience in Rugby management across Australia and Fiji, including stints with Rugby Australia, the Commonwealth Games and Fijian Drua.

  • Sean Hedger

    General Manager of Rugby

    Former Director of Rugby and premier coach of Bond Rugby.

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John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship

Designed for elite rugby union players progressing through high‑performance pathways.

Scholarship includes:

  • 100% tuition fee remission*
  • Cash bursary
  • One‑on‑one mentoring with John Eales AM

This scholarship supports athletes aiming to excel in rugby while preparing for life beyond the field.

Learn more

Queensland Rugby Union (QRU)

Bond University has been a partner of Queensland Rugby Union for 10 years and is the Exclusive Education partner of Queensland Rugby Union and the Queensland Reds.

VISIT WEBSITE

In the news

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Ready for the next step in your sporting journey?

The Bond Elite Sport Program (BESP) helps athletes balance the demands of training, travel and competition with university study through academic flexibility, personalised support and access to a high-performance environment.

Whether you're competing at state, national or international level, BESP provides tailored support to help you thrive in both sport and study.

Discover the Elite Sport Program

Learn how you can support the Bond Bull Sharks Rugby

Become a member

Our sponsors

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2026 Bond University Rugby Sponsors

Take the next step

  • Bond University is part of the Australian Institute of Sport’s Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN), which offers flexible study options. The University supports elite athletes in balancing their studies and sport by providing flexible academic arrangements tailored to high-level student-athletes. Explore the Elite Sport Program
  • Talk to our Elite Athlete Team to find out how you can pursue your sporting goals without putting your education on hold. We’ll help you balance training and study with the support and flexibility you need to succeed in both. Talk to the elite athlete team