Bream RFC's exciting new eco clubhouse project has taken a big step forward, welcoming its first student consultant from the innovative Hartpury Sports Business Hub (HSBH).

Noah Geltman, MSc sports management student, has been assigned to work with the committee on the project, which will see the delivery of a low energy clubhouse for the rugby club.

Born and raised in New York, Noah has previously worked in marketing for the USA's premier rugby competition, Major League Rugby (MLR). He has also worked in a marketing role within US club New York Old Blue RFC.

Bream RFC announced last year that it had launched a new partnership with Hartpury University's Sports Business Hub, which would see postgraduate students assisting the committee in developing a business plan and marketing strategy, as they develop new facilities.

Richard Leppington, the committee member responsible for business at the club, said the partnership would give them a "huge amount of expertise", which would otherwise cost thousands of pounds through consultants, while at the same time giving students the chance to put theory-based learning into practice.

Richard Leppington said: "Noah comes with an extremely strong business and rugby pedigree and will add considerable value to the project. His initial work will concentrate on identifying the market wishing to use the facilities offered at our new eco-friendly clubhouse. This will then inform our business strategy over the next five years."

Noah Geltman said: "One thing I think I can bring to the club is a very different perspective when it comes to brand development.

"Being from a place like New York City, I have grown up in a multicultural, diverse, urban setting. I'd love to be able to take the tricks I used while working with Major League Rugby and New York Old Blue RFC and apply them with Bream.

"As for what I can get out of the project, I'm confident that working with Bream can challenge me in multiple categories under the sports management umbrella."

Set for an official launch later this spring, HSBH provides students and staff with the opportunity to engage with key local and regional sports organisations to carry out live briefs and real-world research consultancy.

Businesses benefit from having access to a postgraduate student for research, evaluation and consultancy purposes. This ultimately boosts resources, provides valuable insights and intelligence and saves money.

HSBH has already established positive collaborations with organisations including Forest Green Rovers, Active Essex, CIMSPA, Sport England and Hockey Wales.