Identity, Innovation and Impact at the 2026 University Rugby Development Day

The 2026 University Rugby Development Day and Awards took place at Sixways Stadium, Worcester, bringing together a record 120 attendees from across the university game. Coaches, club leaders, volunteers and student rugby representatives gathered to celebrate the continued growth, impact and ambition of university rugby across the country.  

Built around the theme ‘Your Game, Your Identity, Your Future’, this year’s event focused on empowering clubs to define who they are, strengthen their communities and shape the future of rugby on their campuses. The day opened with a welcome from Mark Saltmarsh, RFU Player Pipeline Manager, and Patrick Craig, Chair of the SRFU, who set the tone for a day focused on collaboration, growth and the future of the student game.  

We welcomed headline speaker Abby Dow, former England International and university graduate, whose remarkable career includes 59 caps, 50 international tries and World Cup successes. Abby shared an inspiring and personal insight into her journey through elite rugby and the women’s game, reflecting on identity, performance and her transition into a future in engineering following her recent retirement. She also offered valuable advice to students on navigating the dual pathway approach, balancing academic commitments alongside high-performance rugby. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, hosted by Katy Storie, former international player and SRFU council member, where attendees explored topics ranging from growing the women’s game to the decision-making behind retiring at the top level.

Throughout the day, clubs were showcased for the innovative ways they are growing the game, from creative use of social media to delivering fresh, engaging events not just at Freshers’ but continuing throughout the season. Their willingness to push boundaries, attract new players and showcase rugby in new ways reflects the energy and ambition driving the student game forward.

Clubs also benefit from practical workshops including one delivered by the award winning RFU marketing team, providing valuable guidance on how to build authentic, recognisable identities that support recruitment, strengthen engagement and ensure long-term sustainability.

Karen Hood, representing the Injured Players Foundation, delivered a powerful session highlighting the life-changing work of England Rugby’s official charity. She shared how the IPF supports injured players across the rugby community, the importance of purpose-driven identity in their work, and how individuals and clubs can play a role in supporting their mission.

“It’s been fantastic to hear directly from the student leaders of programmes across the country what they have done, and will continue to do to grow the game on their campuses. Sharing ideas and learning from each other as well as colleagues from the RFU and Abby’s inspiring insights has given them more tools to take into next season and I’m excited to see how the sector goes from strength to strength.” - Katy Young, RFU University Partnerships Manager

The day concluded with the presentation of the University Rugby Awards, celebrating the individuals and clubs making an outstanding contribution to the game. From coaching and volunteering to inclusion, social impact and club development, the awards showcased the passion and commitment of those driving university rugby forward. The winners:

Outstanding Club Award

The Outstanding Club Award celebrates a club that has gone above and beyond across all areas of its operations. It recognises achievement on and off the pitch, rewarding a club that provides an exceptional experience for its members and wider community.

Winner: University of Warwick Women’s Rugby Union Club

Outstanding Coach Award

This award recognises a coach or coaching team that has demonstrated innovative and creative approaches to the game, alongside a clear positive impact on both performance and the wellbeing of club members.

Winner: Tim Westwood, University of Nottingham

Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero Award celebrates a referee, coordinator, medic, staff member or support team member who goes above and beyond in support of rugby and their club. This year’s winners have truly embodied this commitment.

Winners: Ollie Bluff, University of Nottingham; Lauren Dare, University of Manchester

Outstanding Student Volunteer Award

This award celebrates a student who has made a significant contribution to the game through volunteering. Student volunteers are the beating heart of university rugby, contributing as committee members, coaches, event organisers and leaders.

Winner: Ellie Ediss, Loughborough University

Rugby for All – EDI Award

The Rugby for All Award recognises an individual, coach, referee, team or club that has taken meaningful action to improve diversity and inclusion within the university game.

Winner: Renica Renee Thompson, Guy’s, King’s & St Thomas’ WRFC

Tom Miller Award for Social Impact

This award recognises a club or individual who has made a significant impact through charitable or awareness-raising activity. It is named in memory of Tom Miller, who made a lasting contribution to the university game.

Winner: Charlotte Seale, Rugby Minds, University of Nottingham

Vaughan Parry Williams Award

This award is presented to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to student rugby, positively shaping the game through their time, effort, skill and dedication.

Winner: Tom Simms, King’s College London RFC

A fitting celebration of the people, passion and innovation driving university rugby forward.