Rugby

Find out more

• Training

  The University has developed one of the best supported rugby programmes in the UK, which caters for all levels of ability, focuses on an athlete-centred approach, development, hard work and enjoyment.

  The club trains up to five times per week focusing on skill development and team preparation, and for the top squads these sessions are supplemented by sport specific Strength and Conditioning sessions.

  Pre-season training
  Pre-season camp takes place annually in late August to prepare our student athletes and teams for the upcoming year of rugby.

  The training camp is noted by our first year students as one of the best things about coming to St Andrews in their first year due to the ability to instantly meet new friends and team mates.

  Coaching
  Led by a full time Director of Rugby, our coaching team come to St Andrews with a wealth of experience gained at the top of their field and understand the balance between academic and athletic achievement. The club has access to a full time physiotherapist, who is based on-site at Saints Sport, and a dedicated video analyst. Our two Strength & Conditioning coaches round off a comprehensive off-field support structure for our players.

• Competition

  

  British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championships

  Saints Rugby currently supports 4 competitive men’s squads and 1 competitive squad within the women’s programme.

  All teams compete in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championship.

  British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK.

  Each squad competes on a weekly basis throughout term time in the tiered BUCS league structure and BUCS knockout competitions, contributing to the University’s overall standing in the BUCS points table.

  Additional fixtures include the annual Scottish Varsity Match against the University of Edinburgh, pre-season friendlies, development tournaments and opportunities to play on the 7s circuit.

• Touch rugby

  Founded in 2018, Mixed Touch is a sociable and inclusive section of the Rugby Club, offering weekly sessions catering for both competitive and recreational players of all standards and abilities.

  Taster sessions are offered at the start of each semester for those new to the sport that focus on drills and games to provide a basic understanding of touch rugby.

  Competition
  Each year the club looks to enter the Scottish University Touch Tournament hosted by the Scottish Touch Association, with additional opportunities to compete in the Northern England University Touch Series or friendly matches against neighbouring Scottish university teams.

• Facilities

  Players within the rugby programme have access to world-class facilities at St Andrews which enhances our ability to offer a professional environment allowing players to maximise their potential.

  The high standard of our facilities has been praised by many professionals who have visited St Andrews, including the Scotland Rugby squad, Ulster Rugby, Gloucester Rugby, Wigan Warriors, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby.

  Grass pitches
  The grass pitches at University Park are renowned across the country as amongst the finest in Scotland. Our full size World Rugby approved floodlit 3G synthetic pitch provides an additional all-weather training space and a venue for a series of regular evening matches.

  Performance Suite
  Players also make use of the top class Performance Suite – a dedicated Strength and Conditioning gym that provides a private space for the performance squad to train undisturbed. Sessions are run by expert Strength and Conditioning accredited coaches who develop rugby specific programmes for our athletes.

• How to get involved

  Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced rugby player, already attend the University or if you are thinking about attending, please get in touch to register your interest and find out more about our club.

  Sports Fayre

  The University hosts a Sports Fayre at the beginning of each academic year during Orientation Week, giving prospective players the opportunity to learn about the club and sign up to ‘Give It A Go’ sessions. Members of our committee will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

  Give It A Go

  The Rugby Club will be hosting a number of Give It A Go taster sessions throughout Orientation Week, with all students benefiting from free access to the sports facilities until the end of Week 2.

  Please email the club to register your interest: rugby@st-andrews.ac.uk

  Club Membership

  All matriculated students at the University can join the Rugby Club.

  Please visit the Saints Sport website for a full list of club membership options, prices and information on how to purchase your membership.