The University of Nottingham Rugby Union Club is one of the largest student led rugby clubs in the country, and one of the most prestigious and popular sports clubs at Nottingham.

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Performance Rugby Union

 

Why Nottingham?

Our Men's Rugby Union Club (UNRUC) enjoys a national reputation for rugby, attracting performance rugby players who want to balance their continued rugby development with studying at one of the UK's top Universities.

This is highlighted by having current players representing England U19s (Max Blinkhorn), England Students (Connor Moyse), Championship side Nottingham Rugby (Jamie Annand) and several players on Premiership University contracts (Archie van der Flier and Rob Carmichael at Leicester Tigers, and Fred Ma’a at Gloucester Rugby). The club continues to enjoy close links with Championship side Nottingham Rugby where Jamie Annand is contracted for 2024-5.

The Men’s Rugby Union Club continues to grow and develop, and has a clear and compelling vision to deliver the most successful student rugby experience in the UK. This key strategic aim is based on three non-negotiables: alignment (Culture - this is how we do things here!), belonging (0ne club – ONERUC!) and accountability (Pack your own parachute!). We believe strongly in recruiting, developing and retaining the best players and coaches.

The Club hosted their Centenary Dinner in September 2021, which included the induction of former England international and alumnus Brian Moore into UoN Sport's Hall of Fame.

The Men’s Rugby Union Club has 5 teams which compete in the BUCS leagues and its 1st team competes in BUCS Super Rugby. Each team has its own coach supported by specialist coaches, and the coaching team is headed up by Paul Westgate an England Rugby Level 5 Coach and former international coach.

In the 2023-4 season, the 1st team finished 8th in the BSR league and again qualified for the Championship Cup. The 1st team also qualified for the ¼ finals of the BUCS Championship 7s and reached the final of the inaugural Rosslyn Park University 7s tournament. Three players (Archie van der Flier, Rob Carmichael and Connor Moyse) have gone on to sign full-time professional contracts with Leicester Tigers, Edinburgh Rugby and The Ospreys.

University of Nottingham Rugby Union Club
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Supporting our student-athletes

Our Performance Rugby Union Programme

done Vaughan Parry Williams pavilion overlooking grass show pitch
done 3 on-pitch training sessions on grass and 3G
done

9 rugby pitches at Highfields and Riverside

done Weekly performance analysis
done Strong culture both on and off the field through the ONERUC club mentality
done Nutrition and Sports Psychology support
done On-site Sports Injury Clinic with specialist sports physiotherapy, sports massage support and plunge pool
done Specialist coaching sessions
done Player welfare support including our leading Rugby Minds programme
done 1-2-1 Mentoring
done

High Performance Zone for Strength & Conditioning

done Scholarships and post-graduate bursaries available
BUCS Super Rugby action at University of Nottingham
Rugby Union Open Days

We are delighted to host 3 open days a year, offering prospective students a taste of our programme. These include:

  • Strength training session with qualified strength & conditioning coach in our High Performance Zone
  • Skills training session with the Head of Performance Rugby on our 3G pitch
  • Recovery session (plunge pool & foam rolling) with a physio in our Sports Injury Clinic

To find out more, please contact our Head of Performance Rugby here. 

Follow our Performance Rugby Union programme on social media
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England RFU University Partner
RFU University Partner

Since 2015, the RFU has worked in a close partnership with the Students RFU (SRFU) and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) to develop and deliver university partnerships, inviting universities across the country to apply for a partnership.

“The partner institutions are leading examples of universities who will provide a high level of commitment and a quality standard of rugby that will help enhance the experience for players of all abilities," said Mark Saltmarsh, Head of Education and Development at the RFU.

Representing the #GreenandGold

Achievements

  • 2021/22 - Promoted to BUCS Super Rugby
  • 2021/22 - BUCS Vase Winners
  • 2018/19- 3rd place- BUCS North A (Men 1)
  • 2017/18 - 3rd place - BUCS North A (Men 1)
  • 2016/17 - BUCS Vase Cup finalists

Competition

Athlete support services Student-Athlete Support Services

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High Performance Zone - University of Nottingham Performance Facilities

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Sports Scholarships Sport Scholarships

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Performance Coaching

Paul Westgate - Head Coach

Paul Westgate is a Level 5 Rugby Coach, a qualified Rugby Trainer, Coach Educator and Mentor, and has significant experience of coaching at international, national, club and university level.

Paul has been Assistant Coach to the Spanish national team and has coached the England U21s and the England U17 Development Squad. Paul has also been Head Coach of the England Counties XV and has just finished as Head Coach of the Midlands Counties U18s.

In 2012 Paul was nominated Coach Educator of the Year at the England Rugby National Awards for Coaching Excellence and in 2017 Paul received the Outstanding Recognition for Coaching Award from the Leicestershire Rugby Union.

Paul Westgate - Head of Performance Rugby
Your recruitment questions answered E-mail Paul Westgate (Head Coach)
Why Nottingham? 8 good reasons... that work together to offer you the best university experience