Reed Prinsep named inaugural Liddell Oxford Rugby Scholar

New Zealand Rugby (NZR), in partnership with Oxford University Rugby Football Club (OURFC) and Oxford alumnus Christopher Liddell CNZM, is proud to announce Reed Prinsep as the first recipient of the Liddell Oxford Rugby Scholarship.

Established to assist players in transitioning to life beyond the sport and support the growth of rugby at Oxford, the scholarship enables selected male and female athletes from New Zealand to pursue degree studies at Oxford University while representing OURFC on the field.

For Reed Prinsep, this marks an exciting new chapter and offers him the chance to further his education while preparing for a career beyond professional rugby.

Reed is a former Māori All Blacks, Hurricanes, and Canterbury player, most recently competing with the Western Force in Super Rugby AU. He holds a law degree and has previously interned at New Zealand Rugby. Reed has been accepted into Oxford’s prestigious Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

Chris Lendrum, NZR’s General Manager of High Performance, commends Reed’s selection.

“Throughout his rugby career, Reed has been known for his ball-carrying ability and relentless work rate on defence. He was part of a Canterbury side that won three consecutive provincial titles, captained the team for two seasons, established himself as a key figure with the Hurricanes, and became a regular Māori All Blacks selection after his 2016 debut. Off the field he studied law and Commerce and I’m confident he’ll bring the same drive to higher education that has defined his rugby career. On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I’d like to congratulate Reed and his whānau and thank them for their contributions to our rugby community.”

The scholarship was made possible by Chris Liddell CNZM, whose career spans leadership roles in both New Zealand and the United States, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff in the White House. A passionate rugby supporter, Chris has previously served as a Director on the New Zealand Rugby Union Board.

Chris says “I established this scholarship to help professional players taking a break or nearing their end of their playing career. This is an opportunity for players like Reed to explore what path they take next and helping set them up for success in their future endeavours.”

"I feel incredibly privileged to have been awarded a scholarship to Oxford University. Rugby has given me friendships, resilience, and opportunities I’ll carry with me long after my playing days. As I embark on this next chapter with Oxford, my family and I are excited to embrace the challenges ahead in the classroom and beyond.", says Reed Prinsep.

Reed will begin his two-year MBA program next month (January 2026) settling in Oxford with his wife and two children.