Rugby Union

Rugby Union at Northumbria is another one of our biggest clubs with seven teams competing in both Men’s & Women’s competitions. The Men are headed up by Joe Cain and will be represented by five teams in the 2022-23 season. The men’s first team form part of the BUCS Premier North 2, with a home venue of Kingston Park Stadium. The culture set by the club has seen many alumni of the university go on to sign professional contracts with the most notable being Will Muir who signed for Bath Rugby in 2020, following his being named as England Sevens Player of the Year in his debut season. Will also received his first England Senior callup in January 2024.

The Women compete in BUCS across two teams. The women's first team form part of the BUCS Premier North. Both teams will enjoy fixtures week in week out and will have the opportunity to compete in the BUCS 7’s competitions held during May.

Throughout the club, we maintain a culture and attitude which we pride ourselves on. All sides train seriously and professionally numerous times a week and compete on Wednesday afternoons. We welcome anyone and everyone who is keen to work hard and be part of an aspiring, growing and proud rugby club setup.

However, when the final whistles sounds, we ensure that we celebrate and socialise as a collective, enjoying off-field activities with players who competed, those not selected, injured players and those who are simply part of the club to train and enjoy the club environment.

Rugby Union had a very successful season in 2023/24, with the Men's 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams all winning their respective BUCS leagues. The club were shortlisted for Club of the Year award in the annual Northumbria Sport Awards. The Men's 2nd team were shortlisted for the Varsity Performance of the Year award at the annual Northumbria Sport Awards for their superb win over Newcastle in Varsity. In addition, Head Coach Joe Cain was awarded the Coach of the Year.

Please note the 2024/25 season has now concluded. Information on membership prices and training times for 2025/26 season will appear here in due course.

Students enquiring about joining the club in 2025/26 season can contact the Club Committee via email or instagram. Equipment can be provided by the club for new students where required. 2025/26 memberships will only be available to purchase following Big Week of Sport in September. Speak to the club at Sports Fair on 24th September for more information or email them as below.

Available Rugby Union memberships in 2024/25:

“PERFORM” Our Focus Sport 1st teams.

Perform memberships are determined by the Head Coach of each sport through the Focus Sport Scholarship applications received prior to the season starting. (See Student Athletes tab for more information).

Men's 1st: Mondays 18:30-20:00, Tuesdays 08:00-09:00, Fridays 18:30-20:00

Women's 1st: Mondays 17:00-18:30, Fridays 17:00-18:30

“COMPETE” Men's & Women's Squads available

This membership offers regular coached sessions and includes opportunities to take part in BUCS fixtures. In additional to our focus 1st PERFORM teams, we also have Men's 2nd-5th squads and a Women's 2nd team entered in to BUCS this year. COMPETE memberships can only be purchased following successful squad selection during our Big Week of Sport.

All sessions delivered on Coach Lane 3G pitches:

Men's 2nd: Mondays 18:30-20:00, Fridays 18:30-20:00

Men's 3rd/4th: Tuesdays 17:00-18:30, Fridays 20:00-21:45

Men's 5th/6th: Tuesdays 18:30-20:00

Women's 2nd: Mondays 17:00-18:30, Fridays 17:00-18:30

"TRAIN" Men's & Women's Memberships

This membership offers regular coached sessions for players wishing to improve their skills but does not include access to fixtures.

Men's - Tuesdays 18:30-20:00

Women's - Fridays 17:00-18:30