Performance Rugby League
The University of Nottingham Rugby League Club fields three teams, with a successful league and cup record as well as an active and welcoming social section. The club participates in the BUCS league and cup competitions, and is part of the high profile Nottingham Varsity programme.
The club caters for players with a wide range of experience, from Professional Academy level players and Student Internationals through to beginners with no rugby league background. New players are welcome - no previous experience is necessary.
Led by Joe Shepherd also of local Yorkshire Premier League side Nottingham Outlaws. As well as back-to-back BUCS Trophy in 2015–16 and 2016-17 seasons. Our first team competes in the Midlands 1A and second team in Midlands 2A, both teams looking for promotion this year and a very strong cup run. With our new captain James Amachree, recent West Africa international, the club is in good hands for the future.
Sponsorship
For 2021/21 the UoNRL are proud to be sponsored by Ready Steady Store, a self storage company located in the centre of Nottingham. If you’re in need of secure, accessible self storage in Nottingham, Ready Steady Store is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the University campus. They are perfectly situated for students who either don’t have enough space for all their things in student accommodation or need somewhere to store it all between terms.
Rugby League at The University of Nottingham
Performance coaching
Adam Cunliffe is an RFL qualified coach and is currently working towards his Level 3 qualification. He is also Head Coach of Nottingham Outlaws in the Yorkshire Premier Division, and a Castleford Tigers Talent Pathway coac
Contact Adam Cunliffe
Performance training
- 2 times per week Strength and Conditioning
- 3 times per week Squad pitch training
Achievements
-
Midlands League Champions: 2007, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020
- BUCS Trophy Winners: 2016, 2017
- University of Nottingham Team of the Year 2015-16
Performance facilities
- Highfields playing ground
- bespoke High Performance Zone for team strength and conditioning
- specialist Sports Injury Clinic
Competition
- BUCS Premiership North (1st Team)
- BUCS Midlands 2A (2nd Team)
- BUCS Championship 9s (1st Team)
- BUCS Rugby League 9s (3rd Team)
Athlete profiles
Akintayo Adebayo
Studying: BSc Medical Physiology and Therapeutics / MSc Sports exercise Medicine
Rugby League background: St Albans Centurions, England Students Midlands, West Africa 9s
Top achievement: Our promotion back to Prem North.
"UNRL has become a second family, and given me great insight into the incredible game of rugby league.”
Michael Anderson
Studying: BSc Business management
Rugby League background: Huddersfield St. Josephs, Halifax Rugby League development squad, Nottingham Outlaws
Top achievement: Making my first team uni debut against Trent as a fresher.
"UNRL is one big family with a strong brotherhood, both on and off the pitch. We are one of the most inclusive teams at the university, and our first team play at the highest level of university rugby league in the country."