Why Nottingham?

Our Men's Rugby Union Club 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 members of the 2022/23 squad having represented England Under-20's (Rob Carmichael), England Students (James Cherry and Ed Timpson), Nottingham Rugby (James Cherry and Lewis Barrett), as well as several players on Premiership University contracts. 

The Men’s Rugby Union Club continues to grow and develop, and has a clear and strong vision to deliver a performance rugby programme that develops people. The Club has ambitious and exciting plans built on strong relationships with England Rugby, Nottingham RFC and UoN alumni. 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 1^st 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.

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.