University Rugby Update: October 2026
Player Registration
With fixtures already underway, now is the time for all clubs check that their players are correctly registered and approved. Sanctions relating to player registration apply during the 2026-27 season, so clubs should review their registrations and approve pending players as a matter of priority.
A suite of player registration guidance and instructional videos is available for both players and university administrators:
Calling All NAMS Clubs
A quick reminder that the SRFU affiliation deadline for NAMS clubs is Friday 30 October.
If you haven't yet completed your club's affiliation for the 2026-27 season, please do so before the deadline. Affiliation is free and helps ensure your club is compliant by registering with the SRFU for the season.
Visit the SRFU Membership page HERE
SRFU Grants Programme 2026-27 – Last Call!
Grant applications are still open for the SRFU Support Fund and Development Fund. Whether you're looking for help to overcome a challenge or funding to support a new initiative, the programme is designed to help student rugby clubs and institutions thrive.
Applications close on Friday 30th October 2026. Find out more and apply HERE
October Spotlight: Putting Positive Culture into Practice
Creating positive club cultures takes all of us. To support staff, student leaders and clubs, BUCS has brought together a range of practical resources, guidance and reporting information to help turn the principles of the Higher Education Behaviours Charter into everyday practice. Read HERE
Volunteer Opportunities with the SRFU
We're currently recruiting for a number of Students' RFU volunteer roles and would love to hear from people with the skills, experience and enthusiasm to support university rugby.
• Behaviour & Welfare Lead – Help drive positive culture, behaviour and welfare initiatives across university rugby - closes 29 November
• England Students Men's Pathway Lead – Help shape and support the England Students men's representative pathway - closes 29 November
• Digital Content Creator – Help tell the stories of university rugby through digital and social media content - closes 15 November
BUCS Stakeholder Groups Volunteer Roles
Help to share the future of University Rugby Union. BUCS are recruiting volunteers for the Rugby Union Sport Advisory Group (SAG) and both the Men’s and Women’s BUCS Super Rugby League Management Committees (LMCs).
WBSR LMC – Premier North/South Representative
MBSR LMC – Premier 1 (North/South) Representative
MBSR LMC – Student Representative
Rugby Union SAG – Student Representative (Men’s)
Rugby Union SAG – Women’s Performance Representative
Applications close 25th October.
BUCS and Clubber TV Partnership
A new partnership with BUCS and Clubber TV will see all 144 BUCS Super Rugby fixtures streamed live, covering the league programme and BUCS Super Rugby Milk Championship knockouts, for both Men and Women. Read more about the partnership here.
Use code BUCS40 for 40% off season passes here.
Gilbert Rugby Balls Offer
Gilbert are offering bulk discount codes on rugby balls, up to 40% off! For codes and to explore the offer visit HERE
University Refereeing Survey & Contacts
The RFU and Rugby Football Referees Union are inviting universities to contribute to ongoing research into refereeing within the university game. The survey will help shape future support, share best practice and provide valuable insights for institutions looking to establish or develop referee programmes and societies.
Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience using the link below.
Referee Society Contacts and more available HERE
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