NTU Men’s Rugby Union programme has the strategic vision “to become a sustainable BUCS Super Rugby university by 2024, whilst providing a wide-ranging rugby development and participation opportunities for its members”. Through this vision, the club ensures there is rugby for all levels of players and can cater to those aspirations of professional rugby players whilst at the same time providing a route for new players to the sport. Creating and providing an outstanding student rugby environment, with learning and enjoyment as its foundation is the aim for all those students, staff, and volunteers involved.

Perform

NTU Performance programme is amongst the top BUCS Rugby Union programmes in the UK. The unique partnership with Nottingham Rugby in The English Championship allows a performance pathway where NTU students can transition into the professional game with Nottingham Rugby, with Head of Rugby David Ross working across both squads. Last season, seven NTU 1st XV players were in the Nottingham Rugby match day squad who faced Saracens in The Championship, perfectly illustrating how the partnership between the two teams works.

Dedicated strength and conditioning staff, three full-time physiotherapists, performance lifestyle mentors, as well as expertise in nutrition and sports psychology, support the performance squad alongside an extensive scholarship programme. Fully qualified and position-specific coaches work within the programme and take great pride in the high standard of player development processes which allows the programme to flourish. Formerly a BUCS Super Rugby team, the 1st XV aspirations are to return to the top tier of university rugby within the next two seasons and become a long-term, sustainable team in the league.

Represent

Rugby is one of the largest and most social clubs at NTU currently consisting of over 300 members. The club runs 5 sides who play in the BUCS Leagues, 2 sides in the BUCS 7s competition and 4 sides who play in the local Notts Universities League.

NTU is also partnered with Nottingham Rugby Club in The English Championship, with several current NTU players within their set-up and featuring for the side throughout the season. NTU Head of Rugby, David Ross, is an assistant coach at Nottingham and ensures a seamless transition from the university to the professional game.

Training takes place at Lady Bay (1s and 2s) and Nottingham Moderns RFC (3s, 4s and 5s) venue where pitch sessions take place on Monday and Friday evenings.

1s / 2s

• Head of Rugby - David Ross
• Assistant Coaches - John Widdowson, Sam Bignall, Alex White and Maria Crowfoot

3s / 4s / 5s

• Rugby Development Officer - Dan Edson

NTU Rugby Union can help you progress off the pitch as well as on it, with a dedicated workforce development programme, which includes paid and voluntary opportunities as well as the opportunity to apply for funding to support you to achieve qualifications, including RFU Coach and Referee Education. For more information on workforce development, contact our Rugby Development Officer - Daniel Edson (daniel.edson@ntu.ac.uk).

How to get involved

Membership costs £155 for freshers and £130 for returners. Memberships purchased at any point during the academic year are only valid until the end of term 3.

Playing shirts are provided on game days with shorts and socks available to buy at the Clifton Sports Hub at the Clifton Campus.

Contact

• Club email: NTUMensRugby@ntu.ac.uk or rugby@ntu.ac.uk