Saturday 2nd September 2023 sees the beginning of a new era for
Durham University Rugby Football Club.

Since the formation of the club in 1875, Durham University RFC has always sought
to compete at the highest level of rugby possible. It became a founder member of
Durham County RFU in 1876 alongside Bensham, Darlington, Houghton, Stockton,
Sunderland and Westoe. Since that date, Durham University has remained a
member of DCRFU, supporting representative teams at both U20 level and Senior
Men’s and Women’s teams – and enjoying an enviable relationship with our
neighbours at Durham City.

The University Club has had a rich and successful history throughout Student
competition and is ranked amongst the top University programmes in the world.
Throughout the last century, the club enjoyed competing with local sides, until the
formation of formal leagues meant that its focus became student leagues, the UAU
competition and of late BUSA and BUCS leagues and cups.

In 2022, the club made the decision to enter a team into the RFU leagues, and
significantly – into the local leagues, with a view to re-establishing competitive
fixtures with local clubs. It is hugely important to Durham University RFC that
student players experience games outside of student-only competition, and engage
with local clubs, members and the wider rugby community in County Durham and
beyond. The club firmly believe that the student experience in Durham will be
greatly enriched by becoming part of the family of local Rugby clubs.

Durham University RFC has now established a 6 th team, which will compete
exclusively in the RFU leagues. We consider this to be one of the most significant
decisions in our history, and something we are incredibly proud of. Our coaches and
officials are largely County Durham people, or have lived and experienced Rugby in
the North East. We are entirely committed to our role as a member club in Durham
and look forward to visiting other member clubs in the league, and welcoming
players and members from other clubs to our home at Durham.

Congratulations to the people who made this happen, and to the players on this
important and historic occasion.

Steven Colwell