Rugby Union
What is Rugby Union?
Rugby Union is a close-contact team sport that originated in England in the first half of the 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand. It is traditionally played between two teams of 15 players each, using an oval-shaped ball on a rectangular field called a pitch. The field has H-shaped goalposts at both ends.
What is Rugby Union?
Rugby Union is a close-contact team sport that originated in England in the first half of the 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand. It is traditionally played between two teams of 15 players each, using an oval-shaped ball on a rectangular field called a pitch. The field has H-shaped goalposts at both ends.
How can colleges get involved?
Many colleges have male and female rugby teams playing regular, competitive matches against other colleges.
AoC Sport, in partnership with The RFU and England Colleges RFU, provides colleges with accessible competitions for all levels, from regional festivals to national championships.
There are a range of opportunities provided to support colleges to grow and sustain their rugby programmes. including the Kit Bag Resources created to support colleges in setting up and developing their rugby union offer.
To help you cater for all students, regardless of their motivations, we have three varied game formats. These can be incorporated within existing league/friendly fixtures or intra activity, and be tailored to meet the needs of students, from those new to the game to those who aspire to play at the highest of levels.
Non Contact
The Touch Union is our non-contact format based on Touch Rugby with addition of kicking; ball carrier to pass on the 2nd touch and where the attacking team have six phases to score. Up to 10-a-side and easy to adapt to student needs.
Reduced Contact
XRugby can be 5, 7 or 10-a-side and played on half a pitch. It has adapted rules for the scrum, tackle, ruck & maul to reduce the intensity of contact and make it simpler to teach.
For more details for the offer from the RFU and ECRFU on how colleges can get involved visit – Colleges (englandrugby.com)
ENGLAND COLLEGES RFU (ECRFU)
The England Colleges Rugby Football Union (ECRFU) is the colleges arm of the RFU with around 100 member colleges.
The ECRFU Regional Representatives play a key role in strengthening relationships between the sector, rugby clubs, and the rest of the game.
If you have information to share with ECRFU or would like to become more involved with rugby development in your regional college network, please contact your closest ECRFU Regional Representative.
Email colleges@rfu.com to find out your local ECRFU representative.
How can students get involved?
Local clubs throughout England welcome college students as players and offer a very special social atmosphere. To find your nearest one, please enter your postcode in the Club Finder.