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University Rugby Update:March 2026

Welcome to your latest update for all things university rugby!


SPOTLIGHT: Reading and Southampton fortifying women’s rugby

An inside look at how Reading and Southampton are nurturing new players and strengthening university women’s rugby HERE

 

Nominate Outstanding University Rugby Contributors – Last Chance! 

It’s time to celebrate the incredible students, staff, and volunteers who make university rugby happen every single day!

Nominations are across seven award categories – don’t miss your chance to shine a light on those who go above and beyond for rugby.

 📅  Deadline for nominations: Sunday, 22 March 2026

🎉  Winners will be announced at the at the annual University Rugby Development Day


Win equipment for your club your players 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.


University Rugby Development Day and Awards 2026 – free event sign up 

Registration is open for the University Rugby Development Day 2026, taking place on Tuesday 5th May at Sixways Stadium, Worcester.

This year’s theme — Your Game, Your Identity, Your Future — focuses on how university clubs can build strong identities and drive positive impact across campus and community.

Up to three attendees per university/club. Lunch included.

Registration closes Friday 4th April 2026.


Sign up for the National University T1 Rugby Festival 2026

 The RFU is inviting university teams to take part in the National University T1 Rugby Festival 2026, which will be held at Sixways Stadium, Worcester (WR3 8ZE) on Wednesday 6 May 2026.

T1 Rugby is designed as “a game for everyone, played by anyone”, it emphasises fun, fitness and accessibility, making it ideal for students of all experience levels and for universities looking to expand participation.

 

England Students Men to Face France Universities at Kingston Park – 2 May!

The England Students Men’s side will assemble for full performance camp at RAF Leeming before travelling to Kingston Park, home of the Newcastle Red Bulls, for their 2026 international fixture against France Universities.

Kick‑off 2:30pm on Saturday 2 May - Student tickets £5 HERE

See behind the scenes at last years ESM camp ROOTS OF A ROSE: WATCH HERE


GMS Registration Switchover

As we approach the season switchover on 30 June, we’re asking all institutions to take a moment to review any outstanding player registrations.

If registrations remain unapproved at the switchover, they will be deleted, meaning students will need to start the process again and may miss out on playing opportunities they’ve already taken steps toward.

By reviewing your registrations now, you’re supporting students who have chosen to engage in rugby union at your institution — and you’ll also ensure their records stay active, so returning players renew automatically next season with no extra admin required - LOG IN

Thank you for helping keep your players’ pathways smooth and supported.


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 

 

Volunteer Role: Team Doctor – England Students 

We’re looking for a committed medical doctor to support our England Students Men’s and Women’s programmes for the 2025/26 season. This voluntary role involves delivering high‑quality medical care during residential camps and fixtures.For full details and how to apply, please see HERE


Become a member of the RFU National Youth Council

The RFU’s National Youth Council is recruiting new members from 18 March, offering 18–24-year-olds the chance to help shape the future of rugby while developing valuable skills. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the game, applications open HERE closes Wednesday 8 April.


RFU Chair of Regional Growth Partnerships Board.

The RFU is creating seven Regional Growth Partnership Boards – dynamic and responsive engines to accelerate growth and engagement - and are seeking Chairs for each Regional Board.


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

 
 
 

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