SPOTLIGHT: Putting Positive Culture into Practice
Creating a positive club culture doesn’t happen by accident. Staff, committee members and student leaders all play an important role in shaping the environments that students experience throughout their time in university rugby.
University rugby is often a player’s first experience of the game, or an important stepping stone between age-grade and adult rugby. The environment they find within their club can have a lasting impact on whether they enjoy the sport and choose to stay involved.
At the Club Culture Summit in June 2026, a student shared how bullying and coercive behaviour within a university rugby club led them to leave the sport entirely. Research has also highlighted that concerns around club culture and social activities discourage some students from getting involved in university sport in the first place. These examples are a reminder that culture doesn’t happen by accident, and that everyone has a role to play in creating positive experiences for students.
That’s why the Higher Education Behaviours Charter – Protect Our Game continues to be an important part of the university rugby landscape. Developed by the Students' RFU, RFU, WRU, SRU and BUCS, the Charter sets out shared expectations around culture, conduct and behaviour across the university game, while providing practical support and resources to help clubs bring those standards to life across their teams.
To support this work, BUCS held two online webinars were delivered ahead of the 2026-27 season, attended by 209 representatives from 86 institutions. The sessions explored the Charter, reporting processes and practical ways to build positive club environments and address issues when they arise.
Alongside the webinars, a range of resources are available on a new dedicated page, including the Behaviour Charter Toolkit, digital assets, reporting guidance, key contacts - BUCS Behaviours Charter
Whether your club competes in BUCS leagues, NAMS competitions or other university rugby activity, these resources are there to support staff, student leaders and clubs in turning positive culture into everyday practice.
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