Hartpury University’s grip on the Women’s National League title continued as they defeated Loughborough 34-22 in a gripping final at the StoneX Stadium.

Twelve months ago, it was heartache for the African Violet but Loughborough weren't to be denied again as they ended Exeter's hold on the BUCS Super Rugby Championship trophy with a 35-31 win.

Hartpury have been the unrivalled queens of women's university rugby and Loughborough are next in line to try and knock them off their perch.

Last year's BUCS Super Rugby final was one for the ages and old foes Exeter University and Loughborough are gearing up for a repeat as they battle to become the best in the land.

It will be a repeat of last year's final in BUCS Super Rugby while Loughborough crushed Exeter's dreams to set up a showdown with the irrepressible Hartpury in the Women's National League.

Durham head coach looks ahead to a home BUCS Super Rugby quarter-final after the Palatinate finished the regular season in fourth spot.

The 20-year-old winger is thriving at Premiership league leaders Gloucester-Hartpury as well as in the university set-up, where silverware is very much the currency of success in both environments.

The reigning BSR champions lifted the domestic trophy for the first time in five years but now the Green and Whites are targeting the league and cup double.

England Under-20s' power up front has been a noticeable weapon during the Six Nations and an important cog in this has been University of Bath prop Billy Sela.

After a thrilling set of recent fixtures, both BUCS Super Rugby and the Women's National League are set up for an enthralling last few games of the regular season.

The man who wore many hats at Loughborough has recently taken on a new role with Edinburgh Rugby - and university rugby is still a prominent theme for Gallagher.

There was no mistake from current national champions Exeter or Hartpury in the top tiers of university rugby last week while Cardiff Met and Bath nudged themselves closer to the top four in BUCS Super Rugby.

A home tie in the Champions Cup banked and with them going well in the Premiership, things seem to be on the up at Sandy Park - and Exeter Chiefs' budding relationship with the university recently hit another high point.

Having already captained his country whilst playing 'peak' student rugby, one of Loughborough's shining stars reflects on the season so far and looks ahead to what the future may have in store.

With Exeter losing their unbeaten record and Edinburgh closing the gap to Cardiff Met, both BUCS Super Rugby and the Women's National League showcased its famed unpredictability.

The Olympic gold medal-winning coach is now working with Cardiff Met University as Director of Rugby System, sharing his wealth of experience across the programme.

It is always a challenge for any young player trying to find their way in professional rugby, but social media abuse can add to that pressure. Newcastle's Zack Kerr understands the negative impact it can have.

Last year's BUCS Super Rugby league champions scored the most points, the most tries and secured the highest winning margin in the history of the competition after thrashing Swansea University.

The England U20s head coach chats to TRU's Ben King about unearthing the next generation of stars, the impact of a home World Cup in 2025 and the quality that lies within university rugby.

The top-flight of university rugby will return next week and Exeter have begun the campaign like a side on a mission.