Where Are They Now: Ryan Fitzgerald-Nolan – Communications Executive at England Rugby

UCFB graduate Ryan has used his degree in BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism to pursue a sports media career within elite rugby.

Ryan Fitzgerald-Nolan, now works as a communications executive at England Rugby, after previously gaining roles at a multitude of other rugby and sports institutions.

While a student at UCFB, Ryan earned an internship as a media assistant at Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club, before taking up another internship at London Irish, who then offered him a full-time role as communications executive.

In addition to his work in rugby, Ryan has also worked as a content writer and freelance media operator at Sky Sports News.

Within two years of graduating from UCFB Wembley, with plenty of experience under his belt, he was offered his current role in the communications department at England Rugby.

“We have 11 of us spread out across different sectors of the rugby sphere,” Ryan said. “I work with the pathways sides, which is effectively the underage teams, both men and women.

“A lot of the time, I’m working with external media, bringing media attention to the sides.

“It can get quite hectic jugging different sides, but it’s great. I really enjoy it, working with different faces, stakeholder management. It’s a really rewarding aspect of my job.”

Rugby-mad Ryan went on to say how he went from attending the iconic Twickenham as a fan to calling it his workplace.

“It’s 82,000 people converging in one place. It’s pretty unreal,” he said.

“Our media rooms are in different corners of the stadium, so you’re in and amongst it, mixing with the fans. But above all else, it’s helping the media and having access to the likes of Steve Borthwick and Jamie George.

“I do feel quite privileged that I can work within an industry that gives back. You get satisfaction with your job, and that’s the main thing. It may be tough days and long hours, but you can say you work in the industry you love, and a lot of people can’t.”

Speaking about his time at UCFB, Ryan said: “What I enjoyed was the flexibility of the work placements. You can do as much or as little as you want, but they are very much encouraged.

“I also enjoyed the culture UCFB created, especially on the course. We all banded together and shared ideas, and I thought that was a really healthy environment to work and operate in.”

He added: “UCFB puts itself higher than any other university when it comes to the sports industry, and I think a lot of that is the work placements.

“It offers so much and puts its students as a priority to get them into that workplace and out into the field. That’s what really drives it forward.”

He finished: “If you want to work in the sports industry, it is the university to be at.”

Take a look at where our other graduates are working across the global football and wider sports industry.

You can also kick off your own dream career in sport by viewing a UCFB prospectus.