The two-year deal means CSU becomes the Eagles’ major sponsor and will provide both parties endless opportunities for development and exposure.

“It is a major partnership deal ... for CSU to support the NSW Country Eagles in this year’s NRC,” CSU director of corporate affairs Mark Burdack explained.

“The partnership will start to see the [Eagles] working with the university to give our students benefits and developing the CSU rugby sides across Orange, Mitchell and Riverina.

“It also provides opportunities for increased exposure for the university across major cities, and provides avenues for regional development.”

Mr Burdack said one benefit CSU students could expect to see was an opportunity for placement work with the Eagles.

“Physiotherapists, exercise science, sports media and marketing students in particular,” he said.

“There will be placement work available, and it will give students the opportunity to get some experience working in a sporting environment. They will definitely see it as valuable in terms of their careers.”

President of CSU Orange Aggies club Pat Blackwell said the deal could also potentially provide his club with several opportunities, mainly in terms of development.

“We’re hoping it will increase the interest in rugby at this campus, it has dropped off a bit,” Mr Blackwell said.

“It also gives us a link to good facilities and resources, it gives us opportunity in a way.”

matthew.findlay@fairfaxmedia.com.au