By Max Hope
Melbourne Rebels utility player Cam Crawford says he’s “unbelievably excited” to be awarded a Kaplan Professional Scholarship for 2015.
The scholarship is offered through an exclusive program established by the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) and their education partner, Kaplan Professional Education.
Kaplan are one of Australia’s largest providers of postgraduate qualifications in applied finance. Their initiative to introduce up to two scholarships annually for RUPA members (all professionally contracted Australian rugby players) interested in Applied Finance and Financial Planning was absolutely perfect for Crawford.
Growing up in Sydney, Crawford attended Sydney Grammar School and was an all-rounder to say the least. He excelled at not only rugby, but cricket too. Not to take the limelight away from his academics by any means, as a double Bachelor’s degree of Arts and Economics waited for him at Sydney University upon the completion of his HSC in 2006.
After a stint at the Brumbies in 2011 and 2012, a return to his home state in 2013 saw Crawford hit his straps in the Super Rugby competition. It was a season to remember for the speedy utility back, as he became the first Australian to score a hat-trick in South Africa in Super Rugby. His individual form didn’t stop there however, at the completion of the season eight tries from seven appearances saw him as the competition’s second highest try-scorer.
He returned to club rugby in 2014 with Northern Suburbs and continued his incredible ability to find the chalk, progressing his First Grade try scoring strike rate to 47 tries in just 53 fixtures. He played just five games for the Tahs throughout the season, but was a part of the squad nonetheless which saw the Waratahs claim their very first Super Rugby title with a 33-32 victory over the Crusaders.
Midway through the 2014 season, the Melbourne Rebels were quick to notice that Crawford was yet to commit to the Waratahs beyond the end of the year and snapped up his services for both the 2015 and 2016 seasons respectively. However, his 2015 season was that of limited minutes, one which Crawford admits had its ups and downs.
“Yeah I guess playing only three games was a bit disappointing, I just had to bide my time and work hard. Though to finish the season with two run-ons was a big positive,” Crawford said.
“There’s a lot of talent down here in Melbourne and uncovering that talent like we did this year with guys like ‘Sef’ (Sefanaia Naivalu) obviously makes it personally difficult to crack the side.”
The disappointments of 2015 weren’t over yet for Crawford, as a shoulder operation sees him sidelined till after the Christmas break and into the New Year. Though he wouldn’t dare let that dampen his spirits.
“I’m actually ahead of schedule at the moment which is awesome. The rehab is feeling really good and it’s pleasing to see it come along like this. I know that if I can just get myself fit for next year and put some good early form on the board that I’ll be right up there for selection”, Crawford said.
A change in location to Melbourne hasn’t halted Crawford with the progression of his studies, as he was already undertaking a Certificate in Applied Finance with Kaplan Professional before applying through RUPA for the Kaplan Scholarship.
Currently halfway through the process of obtaining his Certificate, the Kaplan Scholarship will see Crawford extend his knowledge to a supremely high level by the Completion of his Masters.
“I’m pretty intrigued in the finance sector, I suppose. I’m about to start some work with Ballieu and Holst who specialise in corporate finance and stockbroking. I’m excited to see where this chapter of work takes me,” Crawford said.
A coffee tragic, Crawford has some hurtful truths for his hometown.
“Yeah the coffee culture is unreal down here”, Crawford laughs.
“The whole vibe is different, I’ve really grown to it. Melbourne has been a bit of a home away from home and I’m really loving it.”
