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

Register your interest
Login
Login

Performance Rugby Union

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 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.

Performance Rugby at University of Nottingham Sport
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 1
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 2
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 3
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 4
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 5
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 6
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 7
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 8
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 9
Performance Rugby Union Image Gallery 10

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 be hosting a Men's Rugby Union open day on Friday 16 June. Open to Year 12 students running from 10.30am to 1.30pm, including:

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

To book, please contact our Head of Performance Rugby here. 

Follow our Performance Rugby Union programme on social media
phone_iphone
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

Find out more
High Performance Zone - University of Nottingham Performance Facilities

Find out more
Sports Scholarships Sport Scholarships

Find out more

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
BUCS Super Rugby Headliner
The Headliner returns for our BUCS Super Rugby opener

Don't miss the University of Nottingham's opening BUCS fixture of the year as UNRUC take on Loughborough at Highfields on Wednesday 27 September. With kick-off at 2pm, its the perfect opportunity to be a part of the #GreenandGold. Tickets are only £5 for students with the event also supported by partners Red Bull who will be on site with a live DJ. 

Buy tickets