In a significant development for English university rugby, British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) has announced a comprehensive broadcasting deal with Clubber TV. This partnership ensures that the entirety of the BUCS Super Rugby 2026-27 season will be accessible live, marking a major leap from the previous coverage which included only about 20% of the games.
The agreement entails the live streaming of 144 matches on Clubber TV, encompassing both league fixtures and the BUCS Super Rugby Milk Championship phase. Moreover, spectators will have free access to 18 of these matches, broadening the reach and engagement with the sport.
Will Roberts, BUCS CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the new deal, stating:
"This partnership with Clubber TV is transformative. Not only does it allow every men’s and women’s match to be viewed live, it significantly enhances the visibility of players and provides a robust platform for emerging talent."
The deal with Clubber TV, who are also the longstanding rights holders for Champ Rugby, reflects a strategic move to bolster the viewership and popularity of university level rugby, drawing parallels with the influential college football system in the U.S., which has proven to be a vital feeder into the NFL.
Clubber TV’s COO, Lar Doyle, commented on the quality of rugby played in the universities and the importance of this exposure:
"Every game, every player deserves recognition. Broadcasting every fixture from BUCS Super Rugby not only supports the players but also establishes a clear conduit to professional rugby."
Further highlighting the effectiveness of the university rugby system as a stepping stone to professional play, a BUCS statement revealed that last season, 46 players from the men's BUCS Super Rugby teams played in Prem Rugby or the Prem Rugby Cup, with eight advancing to play in Prem. This pipeline is also mirrored in the women’s game, where 49 participants moved on to play in PWR or the PWR Cup, 27 of whom featured in PWR proper.
The statistics bear out that players from nearly all BUCS Super Rugby institutions find representation in higher leagues, affirming the league's role in nurturing professional talent. Notable international players who have risen through this system include Alex Dombrandt and Freddie Steward of England, and Dafydd Jenkins of Wales.
The partnership not only promises to make student sport more accessible and engaging, according to Roberts, but also supports the broader goals of sustainability and increased community and family involvement in university sports by enhancing the ability for supporters to follow their teams from anywhere.
This landmark deal is set to reshape the landscape of university rugby in England, providing unprecedented access to the games and serving as a critical bridge to elite rugby. It's a forward-looking initiative that not only promotes the sport but also provides a formidable platform for budding athletes to shine on a larger stage, potentially reaching professional levels.
