Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Beckett part of newly-launched BUCS Super Rugby
BUCS Super Rugby kicks off in October and sees the top eight rugby-playing universities combined into one competition.
The news comes after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) last week announced a partnership with 15 universities across the country, pledging £220,000 to further supporting and growing the game within the higher education sector.
University partners will plan and deliver a participation programme incorporating the student rugby club and providing activity for players in all formats of men’s and women’s rugby.
The additional funding support from the RFU will assist in further developing player, coach and facility standards across the universities for the men’s 15-a-side teams as well as supporting those participating in the new BUCS national league.
Leeds Beckett will take our place in the new league alongside Cardiff Metropolitan University, Hartpury College, University of Bath, Northumbria University, Durham University, Loughborough University and University of Exeter.
The new format for the competition will see games played in larger stadia and match action shown through a range of media.
“I didn’t start playing until I was aged 16, and at that age it’s difficult to get into an academy level, so a lot of the guys, including myself, are using BUCS as a pathway – you still get your degree and also a chance to get in the professional game.
“The RFU already have a structure in place, so they know what is needed for BUCS to benefit and go pro, which is everyone’s aim.
“It’s our dream to go professional, and the BUCS Super League is putting us in the shop window more than anything.”
Leeds Beckett begin our campaign on Monday 10 October against Cardiff Metropolitan University and hope to make it all the way to the showpiece final at Twickenham on March 26.
New Leeds Beckett Rugby Programme Director Kerry Wood added: “Every game is going to be tough, we’re really going to have to prepare for each one.
“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have the support of the University. A lot of work has gone in behind the scenes and we’ve spent a lot of time getting the programme ready, and we’re looking forward to that now paying off from a rugby point of view."
*BUCS Super Rugby is a new national league, bringing together the eight best men’s university rugby teams in the country. The league is run by British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) and powered by Rugby Vertical.