Rugby legend kickstarts new series of events at Teesside University

International rugby legend Rory Underwood MBE DL will be the first special guest in a new series of events held by Teesside University.

The In Conversation events, which are open to members of the public as well as staff and students from the University, will feature notable speakers from the worlds of sport, culture and business.

Audiences will have the opportunity to engage with the special guests directly while they share insight into their lives and careers as part of the highly anticipated series, which will begin with international rugby legend Rory Underwood MBE DL later this month.

Rory, who played for England and Leicester alongside his 18-year piloting career with the Royal Air Force (RAF), will discuss his experiences as an athlete and share exciting stories from his playing days and beyond.

The Middlesbrough-born rugby superstar currently holds the record of 49 tries for England and was honoured with the MBE in 1992 in recognition of his services to the sport.

He is looking forward to returning to campus for the event as a Teesside University honorary graduate, having been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science during his last visit in 2022.

Lauren Bradshaw, Deputy Director in Communications and Development at Teesside University, said: “Our new In Conversation events series invites audiences to hear first-hand from leaders across the worlds of sport, culture, and business, and will be an exciting opportunity to celebrate some of the talent which has emanated from our region.

“As an anchor institution, the University is committed to engaging with its local communities, and we’re excited to have this opportunity to open up the campus to members of the public as well as our staff and students as we kick off this new series with the fascinating story of Rory Underwood’s career as a rugby legend-turned-entrepreneur.”

In Conversation…Rory Underwood will take place on Wednesday 25 January, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, in the Students’ Union, and booking is required.

Tickets are available for £5, with student discount available using code TUStudent at checkout.

Following on from In Conversation…Rory Underwood will be Dominic Carter, Publisher of The Sun, who will take audiences on a journey through his 30-year media career running the biggest popular news brands in the UK on Thursday 2 February, 5.30pm - 7.30pm, in the Students’ Union.

Teesside University will also host Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, and best-selling author Adele Parks MBE in the coming months as part of the series.

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