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UNIVERSITY RUGBY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS 2025-26

​​There are two Students’ Rugby Football Union (SRFU) grant offers available for this season: 


PLAY open 30 September to 31 October 2025

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LEARN open 30 September until all funding has been allocated

 

Examples of how previous grants have been used by universities can be found here.
 

PLAY

Play

Funding Available: Up to £200 per club

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This grants is designed to help university rugby clubs improve access and participation in non-BUCS rugby. Whether you're trying to run an extra session, support a student coach, or buy basic equipment - this funding can get you started. You can apply for funding to cover the following:

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  • Facility hire, match organisation

  • Training course, qualifications, mentoring support

  • Support for students playing at local clubs

  • Introductory session to attract new/more diverse participants

  • Basic equipment, balls, cones, bibs, training kit

  • Travel costs to an additional fixture (non-BUCS or league)

  • Costs for entering a local festival or sevens competition 

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​​​Application Timeline

  • Applications close 31 October 2025 

  • The SRFU Panel will review applications and may be in touch to clarify details w/c 4 November

  • Decision communicated via email w/c 11 November 2025

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Who can apply

All members of the Students RFU can apply, applications will be prioritised from institutions who are not funded RFU partners and those that haven't recently received an SRFU Grant. 

 

How to apply 

  • To apply you will need to fill out the application form below 

  • When completing the form, please consider how much you really need to apply for and how you will cover costs longer term. 

  • The SRFU will make payment to successful applicants upon receipt of an invoice. All recipients will need to complete a simple template on the grant outcomes  by the 1st March 2026.

Should you have any questions please e-mail info@studentsrfu.com.

LEARN

Learn

Universities have responsibilities towards the health and safety of players, staff and volunteers. As outlined in Regulation 9 measures should be in place to include at least training and first aid provision.

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See Regulation 9 university specific guidance HERE


With the RFU no longer delivering the Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union (EFARU) course (as of 1 August 2025), student clubs and universities can source their own training from independent, accredited providers that meet the national standards.

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LEARN Grant Offer


University rugby clubs can apply for a £100 grant to support a student or staff member (one per club institution) in completing a Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course — the new national minimum standard for pitch-side first aid.

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How to apply


Complete the application form link below with:

  • The name of the person attending the course

  • The course provider and date


A booking receipt or invoice (if already booked) and bank details should be emailed to info@studentrfu.com once received funding will be released. 

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Once all funding has been allocated the form and offer will close. 


Additional RFU Course Support 


As part of the 2025 Rugby World Cup legacy, the Impact '25 team at England Rugby are looking to support Women & Girls to become Coaches or Referees.

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  • Apply for support to attend RFU Courses for FREE HERE 

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CASE STUDIES

Case Studies
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