BRITISH UNIVERITIES & COLLEGES SPORT
BUCS Competitions
British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) provides regular competitive rugby opportunities for all students with leagues, knockout competitions and rugby sevens events. With over 40 Men’s leagues and 20 Women’s leagues, including the top-tier Women’s National League, across the UK there is a league suitable for all abilities and experience levels. Please check with your university to find out more information about their BUCS teams.
Women's National League
To continue to drive the standard of female university rugby, the Women’s National League was formed in 2019 to provide elite-level playing experiences every week. The league features the top 6 teams in the UK and has already produced players that have represented at international level, such as England prop Detysha Harper.
Following a 10-match league season all 6 teams enter the Women’s Championship knockout competition, with the top 2 teams receiving a bye straight into the semi-finals. The 6th placed team competes in a play-off match against the best Premier Tier team for a place in the Women’s National League.
The Men’s and Women’s Championship concludes with a double-header showpiece final to decide who lifts the silverware and becomes champions!
BUCS Super Rugby
In 2016 the best teams from the North and South of the UK were merged to form BUCS Super Rugby. Providing the opportunity for players to play top level rugby every week alongside their degree. BUCS Super Rugby continues to be a route for players into the professional game post-graduation.
With the season beginning in September, BUCS Super Rugby consists of 18 league rounds with the top 8 teams qualifying for the Championship knockout. The Championship concludes with a showpiece final to decide who lifts the trophy.
BUCS Rugby Sevens
Every year, at the end of the season, BUCS host Rugby Sevens events for both men and women. The BUCS Rugby Sevens Championship and Trophy provide the opportunity for players to showcase their skills in the Sevens arena in an action-packed day of rugby.
BUCS Rugby Sevens can also lead to further opportunities with team qualifications for the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Games and individual selection for GB Students in the FISU World University Games, dependent on the event taking place in each year.
If you have any queries about BUCS Competitions please contact Huey Chadwick, Rugby Union Programme Coordinator, by emailing huey.chadwick@bucs.org.uk.