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.

Rugby Union memberships on offer in 2025/26:

PERFORM Rugby Union M1 - one of our Focus Teams, entry via Scholarship application only

Head Men's Coach - Joe Cain

Training times:

Mondays 18:30-20:00 (Coach Lane)

Fridays 18:30-20:30 (Coach Lane)

Includes BUCS team entry (Prem North 1) - fixtures typically take place on Wednesdays

COMPETE Rugby Union M2 - £240 per person

M2 Coach - Neil Hayton

Training times:

Mondays 18:30-20:00 (Coach Lane)

Fridays 18:30-20:30 (Coach Lane)