University Rugby Update:April 2026
- England Rugby Universities
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
Welcome to your latest update for all things university rugby!
Abby Dow Confirmed – Final Chance to Join Us
We’re delighted to confirm England World Cup winner Abby Dow as a headline speaker at the University Rugby Development Day & Awards 2026 Tuesday 5 May, bringing insight from England international rugby, performance mindset, and player identity.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions for Abby in advance via the sign up form.
Last chance to sign up – registration closes TOMORROW 21 April 2026
England Students Men Return North for Le Crunch Showdown
A historic student rugby rivalry returns to Newcastle Saturday 5 May as England Students Men take on France Universities at Kingston Park — with redemption firmly on the agenda. Student tickets just £5.
For behind‑the‑scenes content and updates, follow @englandrugbyunis on Instagram
Information and tickets HERE
University Rugby Awards 2026 – Shortlist Announced
We’re delighted to share the shortlisted nominees for the University Rugby Awards 2026, recognising outstanding clubs, coaches, volunteers and changemakers across the university game. The winners will be announced at the University Rugby Development Day on Tuesday 5 May – sign-up closes tomorrow.
England Students Women - Nominations Open!
Nominations are now open for the England Students Women’s programme. The residential camp and match: w/c 6 July finishing on Saturday 11 July. Coaches are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria and submit player nominations to ensure players are considered for this national representative opportunity. Information & submit nominations HERE closes Friday 15 May.
Spotlight - Widening the door
From state school rugby to national student impact, Kwesi Boateng reflects on his journey and why widening access is crucial for the future of rugby HERE
University Rugby Union Data Capture
We are again asking all RFU Non-Partner funded* universities to share data relating to their whole Rugby Union activity. Following on from the University Rugby Summit, this data is imperative to helping inform the University Rugby Action Plan and supporting our ongoing engagement with the sector.
Please complete a brief capture form HERE (one submission per institution) by the 18 May.
*Partner funded institutions will complete a separate reporting form sent directly to Partner contacts.
University hosting opportunity
Universities are invited to support the England Students Women’s Rugby programme by hosting a short camp and fixture in July 2026. Find out how your institution can get involved HERE
Win equipment for your club by the end of the season
We're offering all participating clubs the opportunity to win one of eight Gilbert vouchers for your club, worth £1,000 each. A lucky club winner will be drawn each week until the end of the season.
All you have to do is ensure you have entered your current players into a BUCS Team sheet (our version of an Electronic Match Card (EMC)) lineup and bring back at least one player who is yet to register this season. That’s it! The more weeks you do this, the more chance you could have to win.
RFU Special General Meeting – Information for University Clubs
The RFU has issued the Calling Notice for the 2026 Special General Meeting (SGM), taking place on Friday 24 April 2026 at 5:30pm at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with options to attend in person or online.
The Calling Notice with details and supporting documents was emailed directly to RFU voting member university clubs and institutions on 10 March 2026.
If you are unsure about your institution’s voting status or have any questions, please get in touch info@studentsrfu.com
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