University Rugby Update: September 2026

Welcome to the first URU of the season! A monthly update of all things rugby union across the university space, including news, spotlights, key dates for your diary, and more! In between, keep an eye on our socials @englandrugbyunis

SRFU Grants Programme 2026-27

Grant applications are now 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 30 October 2026. Find out more and apply: Find out more and apply here

Join the SRFU Board: Two Trustee Vacancies Available

The Students’ RFU is recruiting two volunteer Trustees: a Treasurer and a Fundraising & Partnerships Trustee. These are exciting opportunities to support the governance, sustainability and continued development of university rugby and the England Students programme.

Applications close Monday 21 September 2026.

Fundraising & Partnerships Trustee: Fundraising & Partnerships Trustee details

Treasurer: Treasurer details

Last Call: SRFU Membership 2026-27

Have you completed your SRFU membership for 2026-27? All clubs competing in BUCS, LUSL, NAMS or MANES competitions must complete the SRFU Membership Form and required Player Registration actions.

Deadlines are 21 September (BUCS) and 9 October (NAMS). Full guidance, FAQs and registration details are available here: membership guidance and registration details

Player Registration

All players at all levels of the game at university must now register to play rugby prior to their first fixture. Complete the quick and easy here.

If you played rugby at university last season, played club rugby or have booked onto a training course in the past, you will likely have an account already.

Help and support can be found here.

Spot checks will be made for BUCS & NAMS teams across the season, as per Appendix 18

Spotlight:Women's Rugby win

Grow your club, support new players and discover where women’s rugby can take you, from university rugby to England Students honours. Register an Inner Warrior event now, with the first 50 clubs receiving a support pack of rugby balls and branded water bottles.

Read the spotlight article: Read the spotlight article

BUCS Rugby Union Behaviour Charter Pre-Season Webinars

BUCS, alongside the RFU, SRFU, SRU and WRU, is hosting a pre-season webinar to outline the Behaviour Charter, disciplinary processes and best practice for creating positive and inclusive match-day environments.

All university rugby clubs are asked to ensure at least one representative attends. The webinar is particularly relevant for university staff, club committee members and student leaders.

Dates:

Thursday 24 September, 2–3pm: Register for the 24 September webinar

Thursday 1 October, 2–3pm: Register for the 1 October webinar

The sessions will cover key expectations for the 2026-27 season, behaviour and discipline processes, practical guidance for managing club culture, and an introduction to the Behaviour Charter Toolkit. There will be a Q&A and resources will be shared after the webinar.

Questions: becca.stone@bucs.org.uk

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: View the Gilbert offer

Lead the Game: Young Leadership Programme

Open to volunteers aged 16–25, Lead the Game is designed for those looking to take the next step in their rugby leadership journey. Participants will gain valuable skills, confidence and insight through online learning, peer networking and an interactive in-person development day on 5 December.

Applications close on 4 October 2026, with the programme beginning in November. Find out more and apply: Find out more and apply

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: Complete the refereeing survey

Referee Society contacts and more: Referee Society contacts and club resources

Player Pathway

It is great to see so many universities proactively supporting and encouraging players to transition from Age Grade to Adult Rugby with open days, taster sessions and other recruitment initiatives.

You may be interested in our Player Pathway webpage. The landing page is aligned across both the men’s and women’s pathway.

We would also like to remind all universities of Regulation 15 for planning and compliance with the requirements for when age grade players and adult players play or train together. Specifically, Regulation 15.7 and 15.8.