MEN'S RUGBY UNION
University of Bath Men’s Rugby Union offers opportunities to compete, develop and enjoy rugby at every level. With four BUCS teams, a non-BUCS 5th XV, our RUSH-D programme and connections with local community rugby, there are opportunities for experienced players, those returning to the game and complete beginners.
Performance Rugby
Our men’s performance group consists of:
The performance programme supports players looking to challenge themselves in a competitive environment while combining rugby with their university studies.
Development Rugby
Our development group provides regular competitive rugby and opportunities to progress through the club:
Through training and fixtures, players develop their skills, build confidence and work towards selection at the next level. Together, our performance and development groups make up the four men’s BUCS teams we field throughout the season.
Men’s 5th XV — Non-BUCS Rugby
Our Men’s 5th XV offers competitive fixtures outside the BUCS leagues, playing other universities’ non-BUCS teams and a wider range of opposition.
We are also building relationships across the UK Armed Forces rugby community, developing opportunities for fixtures against under-23, regimental and other unit teams across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force in the south of England.
The 5th XV provides valuable match experience and another opportunity to represent the University, with a pathway into our BUCS squads as players develop.
RUSH-D — Faculty Rugby and Freshers’ Fixtures
RUSH-D combines the social side of university rugby with regular opportunities to play, improve and represent Bath.
Our internal league features faculty-based teams playing fortnightly fixtures, with each team facing the others four times across the academic year. It is a welcoming way to enjoy competitive rugby, meet people across the University and build confidence on the pitch.
Alongside the faculty league, first-year players have opportunities to take part in standalone freshers’ fixtures and regular Freshers’ Grand Prix events against other universities, including Cardiff Met, Hartpury, Bristol and Exeter. These fixtures give players the chance to represent Bath beyond the internal league and test themselves against other university freshers’ sides.
RUSH-D is an important part of our development pathway. Consistent participation, commitment and progress can lead to opportunities with our non-BUCS and BUCS teams throughout your university rugby career.
Community Rugby — Oldfield Old Boys RFC
Our rugby opportunities extend beyond university competition through our partnership with Oldfield Old Boys RFC.
Many of our university players also represent Oldfield, enjoying grassroots club rugby and becoming part of Bath’s wider rugby community. It offers another way to gain match experience, play alongside people from different backgrounds and enjoy the sporting and social traditions of a local rugby club.
Whether you are looking for additional playing opportunities or a community club environment, our links with Oldfield help you stay involved in the game throughout your time at Bath.
Visit the Oldfield Old Boys RFC website
Contact Oldfield Old Boys RFC
Find Your Place in the Club
Whether your ambition is BUCS Super Rugby, progressing through our squads, representing your faculty or enjoying grassroots community rugby, there is a place for you at Bath.