The SRFU want every student to have the opportunity to access rugby at university.

This season the PLAY grant is focused on supporting university rugby clubs to support the three areas outlined below:

1) Create – do you want to create a new playing opportunity or extend activity but don’t have the resources to do so? Have an issue funding accessible facilities, lack of coaching, transport to local clubs?  Want to encourage a new student audience into rugby by running tailored sessions?

You can apply for up to £1000 for this area, applications could include:

 

• Funding for training sessions, fixtures and events that create new playing opportunities for students at your university

• Upskilling or recruiting a coach for a new development squad at your club

• Funding to support students playing at local clubs

• Advertising and running engagement sessions to draw out students from more diverse backgrounds

Example: Loughborough University created a ‘Road to Rugby’ halls-based programme with the first six weeks used as a crash course in how to play rugby to encourage new or limited experience students. 

2) Support (non-BUCS) - Not enough equipment to host your training sessions/matches? Does your front row need additional coaching? 

You can apply for up to £300 for this area, applications could include:

• Purchasing equipment

• Supporting students struggling to afford rugby

• Extra coaching for front row players

Example: University of Plymouth Women’s RFC applied for SRFU Grant funding in the 2023-24 season to purchase essential training equipment, tape for players and tackle pads.
 
3) Referee - Do you need referees for your fixtures and events? Do you want to upskill enthusiastic students? 

You can apply for up to £650 for this area, application examples:

• Create your own university referee society to provide opportunities for students

• Pay for referee award courses  to upskill enthusiastic students 

• Introduce a mentoring programme or incentivise deployment 

 

Example: Durham University referee society applied for a grant in 2022-23 to train and mentor new student referees.

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Application Timeline

• Applications open 16 September and close 17.00, 31 October 2024 

• 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 2024

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Who can apply

All members of the Students RFU can apply, applications will be prioritised from institutions who haven't recently received SRFU grants or are funded RFU partners.

 

How to apply 

• To apply you will need to fill out the application form below and submit a basic budget summary.

• A template for the budget summary can be downloaded here, or you can use your own spreadsheet. Please email to info@studentsrfu.com .  

• When completing the budget summary, please consider, how many people are likely to benefit from this project, 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 and benefits by the 1st March 2025.