Ospreys prop Nicky Thomas and Scarlets lock Josh Helps have been successful in the application process to receive £2,500 annually for up to three years to help towards the pursuit of their academic and sporting goals.

Both players are currently studying for degrees at Swansea University - Nicky in Sports and Exercise Science while Josh is doing Maths and Sports Science. Nicky and Josh received Sports Scholarships from Swansea University.

WRU president Dennis Gethin said, "The bursaries were originally set up in 2009 in the names of two very famous Welsh rugbymen in Vernon Pugh and Keith Rowlands, my predecessor as WRU president. It is vitally important that players can continue with further education and rugby and the bursaries help these two young players to achieve that. I wish them all the very best."

Nicky Thomas, who has been a mainstay of the Wales Under 20 front row along with Nicky Smith for the past two seasons said, "It's a huge honour and I'm just really glad to get through the selection process and be accepted for this prestigious bursary.

"Studying helps me to switch off to rugby and concentrate on something else so I think this is a great message from the WRU to encourage players and students to continue with both their rugby career and academic studies."

Josh Helps, who was Wales Under 18 captain last year, said; "Everyone wants to play rugby but you need an education behind you. Anything could happen with injuries in the game or not making it as a professional player so you need something to fall back on.

"The bursary will help me with travel to and from training and to Uni, with equipment, food and college supplies - it all adds up!"

WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey added, "Not only does it make you a more rounded person but by retaining other interests it also provides a broader perspective for decision-making and handling pressure. It is hoped that by awarding these bursaries to Nicky and Josh, we are sending a clear message to other young players that they can still achieve academically while playing professional rugby, and that contributes to their development as people for later life."

Visit the WRU news room web site for more information and latest WRU news http://supporters.wru.co.uk/eng/news/latest_news.php

For more information about Swansea University Sports Scholarships go to http://www.swansea.ac.uk/scholarships/sports-scholarships

Picture: (left to right) Nicky Thomas, Dennis Gethin, Josh Lewsey, Josh Helps.