University Rugby

Talking Rugby Union has a partnership with BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) so we can provide our readers with the latest, original content from the BUCS Super Rugby division as well as other university rugby news.

Added to that, we produce match reports, features, interviews and video including highlights from Twickenham Finals day and tournaments.

The dominant return of the England Students Women’s side can only be a good thing for Red Roses pathway

The dominant return of the England Students Women’s side can only be a good thing for Red Roses pathway

With a home World Cup just days away, the triumphant return of the England Students Women’s programme was a resounding success – and could offer another pathway for future Red Roses.

Loughborough's Becky Boyd starting to find her voice and aiming to make some noise at the World Cup

Loughborough's Becky Boyd starting to find her voice and aiming to make some noise at the World Cup

Quiet achiever Becky Boyd has gone from an unexpected Six Nations debut to earning a place in Scotland’s Rugby World Cup squad, impressing teammates and coaches with her power, work rate, and character.

Lucy Weaver Interview: Embracing new opportunities with England Students and Leicester Tigers

Lucy Weaver Interview: Embracing new opportunities with England Students and Leicester Tigers

The 21-year-old says she is ‘very thankful’ to be a part of the reformed England Students Women’s programme as one of Leicester’s new recruits looks to the future with optimism.

 
England Under-20s aim to ‘increase efficiency’ in attack

England Under-20s aim to ‘increase efficiency’ in attack

Interview: TRU’s Charles Rylands catches up with coach Will Parkin to explore how England’s attack can ignite.

Kane James Exclusive: “To see Henry play for us to skyrocketing into the Lions is pretty cool”

Kane James Exclusive: “To see Henry play for us to skyrocketing into the Lions is pretty cool”

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.

Josh Beaumont Exclusive: The 'relief' of retirement, reflections and his testimonial year

Josh Beaumont Exclusive: The 'relief' of retirement, reflections and his testimonial year

A 'true driver and role model for rugby in the north', Beaumont admits the decision to retire at the end of the season was effectively taken out of his hands, plus he confirms he will stay with Sale Sharks in a commercial role.

England Under-20s ready to ‘create own stories’ as they gear up for world title defence

England Under-20s ready to ‘create own stories’ as they gear up for world title defence

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.

‘Element of confidence’ for Bristol as Bears look to harness recent record to reach Premiership final

‘Element of confidence’ for Bristol as Bears look to harness recent record to reach Premiership final

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.

Defeat for England Students but the programme continues to create memories and act as a springboard

Defeat for England Students but the programme continues to create memories and act as a springboard

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.

Wilf McCarthy Interview: ‘When you put it like that, it has been pretty mad!’

Wilf McCarthy Interview: ‘When you put it like that, it has been pretty mad!’

The BUCS Super Rugby Player of the Season was recently unveiled as one of Leicester Tigers’ new signings and with another England Students cap to come, it has been a memorable month for the Hartpury centre.

England Students Women to be led by Andrew Ford and Poppy Leitch as new era begins

England Students Women to be led by Andrew Ford and Poppy Leitch as new era begins

Gloucester-Hartpury's Andrew Ford will be assisted by Exeter Chiefs' Poppy Leitch as the England Students Women's programme returns for the first time in two decades.

Hartpury back on top of BUCS Super Rugby after denying Loughborough double

Hartpury back on top of BUCS Super Rugby after denying Loughborough double

Hartpury secured their first BUCS Super Rugby title since 2019 as they denied Loughborough the chance of the double following a 34-21 victory at Rodney Parade.

Women's BUCS Super Rugby final: Cardiff Met edge out Loughborough in absorbing final

Women's BUCS Super Rugby final: Cardiff Met edge out Loughborough in absorbing final

After being a player during Cardiff Met's 'golden age', Lisa Newton has guided the Archers back to the top of university rugby following a 30-29 victory at Rodney Parade.

BUCS Super Rugby Final Preview: Loughborough target double and Hartpury back at the big dance

BUCS Super Rugby Final Preview: Loughborough target double and Hartpury back at the big dance

Loughborough and Hartpury finished one and two in the BUCS Super Rugby league season but will there be further African Violet joy or will the glory days return to Gloucestershire?

Women’s BUCS Super Rugby Final Preview: A new queen of university rugby is ready to be crowned

Women’s BUCS Super Rugby Final Preview: A new queen of university rugby is ready to be crowned

Following the domination of Hartpury, it is now time for one of Loughborough or Cardiff Met to become the best in the land.

England U20s miss out on Six Nations title and Grand Slam after inspired Wales performance

England U20s miss out on Six Nations title and Grand Slam after inspired Wales performance

England Under-20s saw their Grand Slam dreams crumble against a determined Wales side who ran out 23-13 winners at Cardiff Arms Park.

Trophy cabinet continues to grow at Gloucester-Hartpury but ‘warrior queens’ are hungry for more

Trophy cabinet continues to grow at Gloucester-Hartpury but ‘warrior queens’ are hungry for more

After adding another university title to their list of honours, Gloucester-Hartpury turn their attention to the showpiece prize - a third successive Premiership Women’s Rugby crown.

The UK flavour to the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship

The UK flavour to the Men’s Rugby Europe Championship

For those who follow National League Rugby and BUCS Super Rugby in particular, there have been a host of recognisable names cropping up in this year’s Rugby Europe Championship.

England Students appoint Loughborough’s Martin Webdale as head coach

England Students appoint Loughborough’s Martin Webdale as head coach

Webdale - who guided the African Violet to BUCS Super Rugby glory last April - has taken the baton from Darren Fearn and will lead the representative side against France in May.

“We’re proud of the relationship between Bath and the university - It’s such as successful avenue”

“We’re proud of the relationship between Bath and the university - It’s such as successful avenue”

Interview: Bath boss Johann van Graan and Head of Rugby at the University of Bath Aaron James chatted to Will Gupwell about why a strong synergy between both parties is benefitting the club’s emerging talents.

Jordan Russell Exclusive: 'Before my move to Leicester, I’d lost the love for rugby'

Jordan Russell Exclusive: 'Before my move to Leicester, I’d lost the love for rugby'

After starring on the university stage, Russell’s enjoyment for the game didn’t translate into her time with Gloucester-Hartpury but the now Leicester Tigers forward has a smile on her face again.

Why the ecosystem at Manchester Met is making it an attractive destination in the university rugby landscape

Why the ecosystem at Manchester Met is making it an attractive destination in the university rugby landscape

With BUCS Super Rugby returning with a bang, the leading universities in the country are once again showcasing what they have to offer but below the top tier, the progression of Manchester Met's performance programme continues.

Debuts, competition for places and USA challenge - England ready for WXV defence

Debuts, competition for places and USA challenge - England ready for WXV defence

England's WXV 1 title defence kicks off this weekend and Ciara Fearn brings you the latest from the Red Roses camp.

Claire Cruikshank Interview: Women's BUCS Super Rugby 'a really exciting opportunity' to showcase student game

Claire Cruikshank Interview: Women's BUCS Super Rugby 'a really exciting opportunity' to showcase student game

The Head of Performance of Women's Rugby at the University of Edinburgh is hoping the renewed energy behind the league will continue the upward trajectory of the student game.

Women's BUCS Super Rugby to launch this season as student game continues to evolve

Women's BUCS Super Rugby to launch this season as student game continues to evolve

The seven-team competition is an evolution of the Women’s National League (WNL) and joins the top level of Men’s student rugby as BUCS’ second ‘Super’ level of competition.

England U20s' strength in depth will be on full show against Fiji as Six Nations champions look to build on opening win

England U20s' strength in depth will be on full show against Fiji as Six Nations champions look to build on opening win

Mark Mapletoft has made 12 changes to the starting XV which came through England's first World Rugby U20s Championship match but that doesn't dilute the talent of the squad.

Joe Byrnes Interview: University rugby is now baked into the rugby public psyche - Hopefully this amplifies its reputation'

Joe Byrnes Interview: University rugby is now baked into the rugby public psyche - Hopefully this amplifies its reputation'

The presenter and commentator has been part of the rise of the student game and he hopes by creating the Rosslyn Park University Sevens, it can be a success story just like BUCS Super Rugby.

Sophie Langford Interview: “This is a clean slate - We aim to get to the final no matter the opposition”

Sophie Langford Interview: “This is a clean slate - We aim to get to the final no matter the opposition”

Langford is one of Exeter’s rising stars but if her breakout season is to end with a Premiership Women’s Rugby final, the Chiefs will have to exact their revenge on Gloucester-Hartpury.

'That was it in a nutshell' - England Students thriller provides further evidence of flourishing university game

'That was it in a nutshell' - England Students thriller provides further evidence of flourishing university game

It might not have been the result they wanted against France Universities but as a spectacle, England Students more than played their part in showcasing the quality within university rugby.

Max Pepper Exclusive: ‘Uni rugby puts players in the shop window’

Max Pepper Exclusive: ‘Uni rugby puts players in the shop window’

Ahead of representing England Students, Durham University and Newcastle Falcons' Max Pepper spoke to TRU about university rugby, his rugby playing family and being put in the shop window.

Exclusive: England Students boss Darren Fearn ahead of France showdown

Exclusive: England Students boss Darren Fearn ahead of France showdown

Before England Students take on France Universities, Darren Fearn spoke to TRU about all things uni rugby.

The honour of representing England Students is not lost on some of the brightest talents in the country

The honour of representing England Students is not lost on some of the brightest talents in the country

The recognition for university rugby continues to grow and after another thrilling domestic campaign, some of the best emerging talents in England now have the chance to play for their country.

Ross Vintcent Exclusive: Like Italy, Exeter were written off at the start of the campaign - We’re ready to go again

Ross Vintcent Exclusive: Like Italy, Exeter were written off at the start of the campaign - We’re ready to go again

Exeter back-rower discusses his 'dream' Six Nations with Italy, why he is full of praise for university rugby and looks ahead to the run-in for the Chiefs.

Loughborough quartet named in England Students squad

Loughborough quartet named in England Students squad

Four of Loughborough’s triumphant BUCS Super Rugby side have been called up for England Students ahead of their match against France Universities on May 4th.

Women's National League Final: Three in a row for Hartpury but Loughborough run champions close

Women's National League Final: Three in a row for Hartpury but Loughborough run champions close

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.

BUCS Super Rugby Final: Loughborough exact revenge on Exeter to seal title

BUCS Super Rugby Final: Loughborough exact revenge on Exeter to seal title

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.

Women's National League Final - Preview: Can Loughborough halt a Hartpury dynasty?

Women's National League Final - Preview: Can Loughborough halt a Hartpury dynasty?

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.

Exeter and Loughborough have led the way again - Their rivalry is set for another thrilling episode

Exeter and Loughborough have led the way again - Their rivalry is set for another thrilling episode

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.

Last four ties prove that the 'Showdown at the StoneX' is set to elevate university rugby even further

Last four ties prove that the 'Showdown at the StoneX' is set to elevate university rugby even further

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.

 
 
 
 

View all articles in university rugby.