Supporting Saints: Emtelle and Falside Mill
Sport at St Andrews helps students to build connections, resilience and confidence. This is made possible by the support of our sport partners. Here, Falside Mill and Emtelle, sponsors of Saints Rugby for the 2025-2026 academic year, share how their connections with the University have grown into lasting partnerships.
Founded in 1858, the University of St Andrews Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest sports clubs at the University and is the sixth-oldest rugby club in the world. It currently supports four competitive men’s squads, two competitive and development squads within the women’s programme, and a touch rugby section.
Saints Rugby benefits from both local and global support to enable its continued success and enhance sport provision for our students. Among its sponsors are Falside Mill, an exclusive-use events venue situated in Kingsbarns near St Andrews, and Emtelle, a global leader in fibre and duct solutions.
A St Andrews connection
Falside Mill’s St Andrews connection began over a decade ago. What started with a Saints Polo event soon led to the venue becoming a hub for fashion shows, medical student gatherings, music events and various sports club balls. After establishing a strong professional relationship with Saints Rugby while hosting their annual Movember Ball and working closely with the organising committee, sponsorship felt like a natural next step.
“We were particularly impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the student committee, whose enthusiasm and commitment to advancing the Club’s success resonated with our own values,” Explains Eve O’Brien, Senior Events Coordinator at Falside Mill.
For Emtelle, the relationship began as a personal one. Tony Rodgers, Emtelle’s CEO, is the father of a St Andrews alumnus and saw his son play proudly for the 1st XV for four years while a student here. Through this experience, Tony gained a first-hand appreciation of the University’s strong sporting culture, commitment to excellence, and the character of those who represent Saints Sport both on and off the field. This initial connection sparked the idea of Saints Rugby sponsorship, and the proposal gained enthusiastic support across Emtelle.
Sponsoring success: the next generation of sport
“We were delighted to have the opportunity to give back,” says Eve, of Falside Mill, “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and seeing what the future holds, as well as watching the team’s success.”
Ollie Webb, Club Captain of Saints Rugby, says the Club is proud to have Falside Mill as an official sponsor.: “Last year’s Movember Ball at Falside was a standout moment for the Club, and we’re excited to build on that success together with future events. Their support means more than just the venue. Our new partnership is one rooted in shared values of community, charity and celebration. With the backing of Falside Mill, we’re confident this season will be our most impactful yet, both on and off the pitch.”
Emtelle is proud to extend their support to the rugby programmes at St Andrews. “At Emtelle, we believe that sport inspires qualities that extend beyond the game – teamwork, resilience and integrity,” says Group People Director, Hazel Smith. “These values are central to how we work as a business, and supporting all Saints athletes allows us to contribute to a community that truly embodies them.”
Backing Saints: a meaningful partnership
For Falside Mill, the sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to community engagement and charitable fundraising. The venue has become a well-loved spot among students and alumni alike, with many familiar faces returning after graduating. “We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming many alumni couples who chose to return to the area where they first met to celebrate their weddings,” adds Eve.
For Emtelle, it’s about supporting local communities, encouraging young talent and promoting the shared values of teamwork and leadership. Emtelle has strengthened their links to the University through inviting Saints athletes and St Andrews academics to visit their headquarters. Saints Rugby players were invited to learn more about careers at Emtelle and academics from the School of Chemistry have attended to discuss the company’s sustainability goals. Members of the Emtelle team have attended matches and connected with players, gaining a real sense of the dedication and passion that drive the Club.
For these businesses, sponsoring Saints Rugby strengthens ties to the University and contributes to a thriving community. For students, Saints Sport partnerships provide opportunities, resources and experiences that enrich their time at St Andrews.