Claimed as a world first, the degree course in Leisure Management and Rugby Studies is looking for students who want to work in professional rugby.

The course, a joint venture between Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and Saracens rugby club, will be open to students wanting a career either as a player or as a sports administrator.

The 15 to 20 male or female students, who will begin the three-year course next October, will learn about marketing, sponsorship, contracts and the management of professional clubs.

They will also go to Saracens' ground in Watford to join the players as they train and prepare for matches.

Associate director of marketing at Saracens, Tim Lawler, said that the degree will be aimed at students wanting to make a career in professional sport.

"Rugby union is a fledgling professional sport and the rugby players and administrators of the future will be dealing with a far more complex world. This course will help them deal with it."

"We want students to become an integral part of the club. They will get free season tickets and they will have access to the players at training, and will look at their fitness regimes and analyse matches on video with them.