The top level of the student game has been showered with more praise from figures such as Johann van Graan, with attention now turning to England Students’ upcoming fixture with France Universities.

The Crusaders opened Christchurch’s Super Round with a 35-20 win over the NSW Waratahs at One NZ Stadium, giving a full house of 25,237 fans a winning start at the new venue.

After successive defeats in the showpiece event, the African Violet finally turned silver into gold, dispatching Brunel 45-5 to claim the title, with prop Amelia Williams producing a superb hat-trick.

'The Brothers' backed up their historic league title by beating Loughborough 41-14 in the BUCS Super Rugby Milk Championship final at Rodney Parade.

The showpiece event in the university rugby calendar rolls into Newport once again with Bath looking to cement their dominance, Loughborough hoping for double success and Brunel aiming to break new ground.

Abi Burton’s Brunel shocked Hartpury to reach the Women’s BUCS Super Rugby final against Loughborough, while the top two men’s sides also book Rodney Parade showdown.

Bath recovered from a 27-point deficit against Cardiff to keep their dreams of a double alive, while Durham upset the seedings after their victory at Nottingham.

The exciting Bath prospect, who has been a driving force in the success of the university side, is hoping to hit one or two more heights this season after captaining England Under-19s.

Aaron James' side claim their first BUCS Super Rugby league title with a hard-fought 17-7 victory away at Durham as the regular season concludes.

An explosive second half from Aaron James’ side secured a 40-31 win over their title rivals, leaving Bath on the brink of their first-ever BSR league title.

The Durham winger, who has already faced the likes of Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Mack Hansen in his short career, is aiming for a strong finish to the BSR season.

Eric Nixon's game-clinching try sets up mouth-watering showdown with second-placed Bath while Hartpury finish ‘perfect’ season in Women's BUCS Super Rugby.

Hartpury Women secure a fourth straight BUCS league title without dropping a single point, while the men’s BUCS Super Rugby season heads for a thrilling finish.

James Beverley's late penalty secured the University of Bath a 20-18 victory against the University of Exeter at Sandy Park.

The Dutch international talks to Francisco Isaac about his journey with Cardiff Met to the international stage, and why BUCS Super Rugby remains key to developing top talent.

Cardiff University's clash with Swansea was abandoned after a brawl broke out towards the end of Wednesday's fixture.

The England Under-20s back-row on the rise of his former teammate Henry Pollock, his own experiences which led to a Premiership debut and the latest challenge against South Africa.

Only eight players remain from last year’s triumphant squad and while 2024’s success can act as motivation, Mark Mapletoft’s side are also out to create their own memories.

Bristol have won 11 of their last 14 encounters against rivals Bath - including doing the double this season - but skipper Fitz Harding feels the Bears will need something extra to upset the odds.

Martin Webdale’s troops fell on the wrong side of a 42-31 scoreline against French Universities but representing England Students remains a highlight in the calendar.