From 2022, the Rugby Football League (RFL) have provided funding to employ a Rugby League Coordinator within BUCS to focus on the development and growth of Rugby League within the higher education sector.
This impact report highlights successes from the 2025-26 season, whilst also reflecting on the progress within the sport over the last 4 years.
Tom Brindle, RFL Head of Growth and Women’s Super League General Manager, commented: "This journey began with the development of a stronger working relationship, which led to the creation of the Rugby League Coordinator role within BUCS. This gave us a greater opportunity to focus on improving the playing experience across the university game and ultimately led to the introduction of the National League within the men’s competition. At the same time, we recognised the need to further develop and grow the women’s game. This has seen the successful delivery of the Winter League and, for the first time, the Women’s 9s competition being recognised as an official BUCS sport.
"It is important to put on the record our thanks to Abbie, Maz and the wider BUCS infrastructure for the support, effort and work in delivering an outstanding four years of growth and progress."
Neal Kington, BUCS Head of Competitions, added: "This report marks the conclusion of the current funding cycle and reflects a period of real progress across university Rugby League. The funding of the Rugby League Coordinator role signalled a clear commitment to improving the experience of our higher education athletes. This report celebrates the impact of the final season, but also the foundation built across the full funding period. It is something we should be proud of, and a strong platform for the future."
Finally, Abbie Diskin, BUCS Rugby League Coordinator, said: "The past 4 years have been a significant period of growth and development for Rugby League within BUCS. With a dedicated coordinator role focused on growing the men’s and women’s game, the sport has strengthened its presence in higher education and created new pathways for participation and competition. The progress over the last four years shows a strong foundation of Rugby League to continue in higher education."
Following a successful 4 years the RFL funded BUCS Rugby League Coordinator role has come to an end. BUCS and the RFL are still committed to striving towards further growth within Rugby League across the higher education sector.
Moving forwarded the main contacts for any queries regarding BUCS Rugby League will be:
Hannah Underhill, BUCS National Competitions Manager
Steve Curtis, BUCS Rugby League Sports Advisory Group Chair
Andrea Murray, England Rugby League National Development Manager
