University Rugby Update: February 2026

Welcome to your latest update for all things university rugby!

SPOTLIGHT: United Bristol Hospitals RFC (UBHRFC)

The Medics club celebrates 80 years of university rugby in 2026 — a proud milestone for one of the sector’s longest-standing medical‑school teams. HERE

Varsity and Finals Season - Toolkit

As we approach the end of another exciting university rugby season, we wanted to remind institutions and their clubs there is a section on controlling spectator behaviour & other helpful tips in the Rugby Union Behaviour Charter and toolkit. We want to help you ensure the focus is on the great rugby being played on the pitch!

The toolkit is available via the Behaviour Charter section on the BUCS Rugby Union website: HERE

Player Registration

A player registration is….

• Way more than just a registration

• Not just a number

It’s a student who has chosen to join your community as a player. It’s a means for all of us to be able to support them on their rugby journey, hopefully for life!

In total, there are enough students waiting to be approved to fill 5 London buses - or make up over 20 rugby teams - that's over 300 students that have done their bit!

Don't forget that players can register at anytime (it's not too late!), so you should check your account regularly to approve players.

RFU Player Registration guidance here, and watch this video on how to approve your players’ club registrations.

National Rugby Survey

We took a break last season but now we're back and asking anyone involved in community and university rugby (players, club leaders etc.) and fans of national teams tell us more about themselves and their experiences of rugby to help shape the future of the game 🏉

Complete the survey here 

The scheduled closing date is Monday 23rd February 2026

England Students Men’s – Player nominations Closing!

Player nominations are closing at Noon 25th February 2026.

Nominate HERE

Looseheadz Launch New University-specific Mental Health Training Module

Designed specifically for those involved in university rugby, the new training provides evidence-based, practical guidance to help support positive mental health.

The resource equips participants with essential knowledge, insights, and skills to promote good mental health in themselves, their teammates, and the wider university club community. We know this is an important issue for your clubs and we're delighted to support the roll-out.

The University Mental Health Training module is available here.

University Rugby Awards 2026

Nominations are open to recognise students, volunteers and staff driving university rugby forward.

Deadline: Sunday 22 March 2026

Nominate HERE

University Rugby Development Day and Awards 2026 –sign up open!

Join us on Tuesday 5 May 2026 at Sixways Stadium, Worcester, for a day built around the theme “Your Game, Your Identity, Your Future.”

The event brings university rugby staff and students together for practical sessions and the in‑person University Rugby Awards.

Time: 10:00am–4:00pm

Places: Up to three reps per university

Included: Lunch & refreshments

More information & Register HERE

Volunteer Role: Strength & Conditioning Lead – England Students Men

The Students RFU is recruiting a Strength & Conditioning Lead to support the England Students Men’s programme.Closing Monday 23 February.

Find out more and apply HERE

Volunteer Role: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Officer

The Students’ RFU is recruiting a volunteer EDI Officer to coordinate the Advisory Group and support inclusive practice. Closing Monday 23 February.

Find out more and apply HERE 

Virtual National Engagement Sessions

Alongside the University specific event for Directors of Sport being held on the 17^th of March, our National Engagement Sessions are just around the corner, giving all clubs and stakeholders a valuable chance to:

👉 Learn more about the RFU’s new long‑term strategy, Plan 2030

👉 Speak directly with RFU senior leaders

👉 Share your ideas, feedback, and hopes for the future of our game

📍 21 in‑person sessions💻 2 virtual sessions📅 February – April

Spaces are limited – book your place now

Your voice matters. Let’s shape the future of rugby together.

Passionate about growing the Girl's Game? 

We're looking for volunteers to help with the Love Rugby Series! A nationwide celebration of girls’ sport, friendship, and confidence. Our festivals are designed for girls ages 8-11, providing a dedicated, girls-only space where players can be themselves and enjoy being part of a team. 

Events are taking place across the Country and we'd love for you to volunteer to help out - just register your interest here 

 

LEARN Grant Offer - Still Open

University rugby clubs can apply for a £100 grant to support a student or staff member (one per club institution) in completing a Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course — the new national minimum standard for pitch-side first aid.

Information & Apply HERE