Rugby Union

Rugby Union is a popular and dynamic sport at Oxford Brookes, known for its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and physicality.

The Oxford Brookes Rugby Union programme consists of a Men's and Women's Club, with multiple teams competing in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Leagues. 

We are very proud of our partnership with Oxford Harlequins RFC, which not only enhances our student-athletes' playing opportunities but also provides access to excellent facilities and valuable experience in various rugby-related roles. 

All teams train and play at Oxford Harlequins RFC, benefitting from the club's top-tier resources and supportive community. 

Men's Rugby Union Teams

Men's Rugby Union Team

There are two Men's Teams, both competing in Tier 2 of the Midlands BUCS Leagues. Historically, both teams have made impressive 'cup runs' in pursuit of the Midlands Conference Cup. The Men's programme is led by rugby legend Tom Varndell, who joined Oxford Brookes as Head of Rugby in the summer of 2022 through our partnership with Oxford Harlequins RFC.

Women's Rugby Union Team

Women's Rugby Union Team

There is one Women's Team, competing in Tier 2 of the Midlands BUCS League. At the 2023 Sports Awards, Fin Kelly, the former Women's Head Coach was honoured with the Coach of the Year Award and Molly Dymmock-Morgan, the Women's Club President from 2021 to 2023, received the Sports Personality Award.

Want to join?

You can reach out to the clubs directly on social media to find out more and get involved:

You can meet the Rugby Union Clubs and all our Student Sports Clubs at the Sports Fair on Wednesday 18 September 2024, during Freshers Week at Brookes Sport, Headington.

Most clubs hold trials and taster sessions after the Sports Fair. If you miss the Sports Fair or want to join later in the year, feel free to contact the club directly via social media.  

In the meantime, stay updated or learn more about sport and active wellness at Oxford Brookes, by following us on Instagram (@BrookesSportOxford) or contacting the Student Sport Team at sport@brookes.ac.uk 

Women's Rugby Club at the 2021 Sports Fair
Touch Rugby Team

TEAMBrookes Membership Fees

The cost of joining any Student Sports Club is £160 for the 2024/25 academic year, which equates to approximately £6.15 per week of the sporting calendar. This fee is required for each Sports Club you compete for. This cost includes the essentials required to play your sport and access appropriate support.

Exemptions and fee waivers

Those in receipt of a Brookes Bursary or International Hardship Award for 2024/25 are exempt from paying the £160. If this applies to you, please complete this application form and provide the required confirmation. 

Those selected as TEAMBrookes Sports Scholars are also waived of the requirement to make the £160 payment, as part of the performance support provided.

Performance Partnership: Oxford Harlequins RFC

The Oxford Brookes Rugby Union Club has partnered with Oxford Harlequins Rugby Football Club to align activities, capitalising on their shared locality, facilities and commitment to developing players at all levels of the performance pyramid.

The primary goal of this partnership is to enhance the player experience by providing a high quality, diverse and attractive range of opportunities for players to enjoy, participate in and excel at rugby. 

Oxford Harlequins RFC logo

Partnership with Under Armour

We are delighted to team up with Under Armour as our official TEAMBrookes and leisurewear partner. 

Under Armour Logo

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