Celebrating Excellence: University Rugby Awards 2026 Shortlist

The shortlist for the University Rugby Awards 2026 has been confirmed, highlighting exceptional contributions from across university rugby. Find out who takes home the awards at the University Rugby Development Day on Tuesday 5 May – free to attend sign up closes 21 April HERE

Outstanding Club Award

King's College London RFC

Exeter University Women's Rugby Club

University of Warwick Women’s Rugby Union Club

Manchester Medics Rugby Union Football Club

University of Bath Rugby Club

Outstanding Coach Award

St Mary's University - Jerry Hedigan

University of Salford Women’s Rugby Union - Byron Read

University of Nottingham - Tim Westwood

University of East Anglia Rugby - Connor Dudley

Outstanding Student Volunteer Award

University of Leeds Women's Rugby Union - Florence Hickey

Middlesex University - Alfie Callaghan

Bournemouth University Rugby Club - Ben Nyanzi

Royal Holloway University of London - Millie Berry

University of Manchester Men’s Rugby Union Club - Jacob Garrett

University of Nottingham - Harry Singleton

Loughborough University - Ellie Ediss

Unsung Hero Award

University of Bath RC -  Egor Varivoda

Exeter University RFC - Ben O’Hara

University of Nottingham - Ollie Bluff

Bournemouth University Rugby Club - Ben Bealey

University of Manchester - Lauren Dare & Tom Dunn

Rugby for All – EDI Award

 Loughborough University - Efe Aihe

York St John Women’s Rugby Union

King's College London RFC - Steven Coker

Guys, Kings & St Thomas WRFC - Renica‑Renee Thompson

Tom Miller Award for Social Impact

Camborne School of Mines - Falmouth & Exeter Student Union

University of University of Manchester Men’s Rugby Union Club - Will Gaffney

Hull University Men’s Rugby Union     

University of Nottingham - Charlotte Seale - Rugby Minds

Exeter University - Poppy Leitch and Exeter University Women's Rugby Club

Vaughan Parry Williams Award

King’s College London RFC - Tom Simms

Guys, Kings & St Thomas WRFC - Sanaa Sarfraz