As the weather begins to improve and the days get longer, the stage is set for another exciting season of UK university cricket.
University cricket leagues across the UK will be getting underway in the coming days and weeks as the highly anticipated outdoor season begins. With 20 men’s leagues and 5 women’s leagues, over 230 teams will be competing throughout the summer in what is expected to be a highly competitive and exciting season for all involved.
Amongst the 25 different leagues are five Premier Divisions, including the prestigious Premier National Division which represents the highest level of men’s university cricket.
The Premier Divisions are made up of the following leagues:
| Premier National (Men’s) | This is the top tier of men’s cricket and features eight of the best university teams from across the UK. |
| Men’s Premier North and South | The North and South divisions are split geographically with 7 teams in each league. Premier North features universities from the north of England, while Premier South features universities from the south.
Only one team between both leagues can achieve promotion to the National Division. This is decided with a North winner vs. South winner playoff match, followed by a match against the team that finished bottom of the Premier National Division. |
| Women’s Premier North and South | The women’s Premier North and South Divisions represent the best university women’s cricket teams from across the country. Similar to the men’s divisions, these leagues are also split geographically and are made up of 4 teams in each division. |
Premier National (Men’s)
This is the top tier of men’s cricket and features eight of the best university teams from across the UK.
Men’s Premier North and South
The North and South divisions are split geographically with 7 teams in each league. Premier North features universities from the north of England, while Premier South features universities from the south.
Only one team between both leagues can achieve promotion to the National Division. This is decided with a North winner vs. South winner playoff match, followed by a match against the team that finished bottom of the Premier National Division.
Women’s Premier North and South
The women’s Premier North and South Divisions represent the best university women’s cricket teams from across the country. Similar to the men’s divisions, these leagues are also split geographically and are made up of 4 teams in each division.
2022/23 Premier Division Season Preview
We take a look at all five Premier Divisions ahead of the 2022/23 season, highlighting the teams looking to defend their titles and the teams stepping up after achieving promotion last year.
Premier National
2021/22 Champions: Loughborough UCCE
Number of Teams: 8
As the highest division of cricket at the UK university level, the Premier National brings together the best teams and players in the country. The competition is fierce as universities battle throughout the summer to be crowned the number-one team in the UK.
Reigning champions Loughborough will look to defend their crown after suffering just one defeat on their way to the title last season meanwhile newcomers, Solent will be looking to establish themselves in the top flight after securing promotion from the Premier South Division.
Premier National
2021/22 Champions: Loughborough UCCE
Number of Teams: 8
As the highest division of cricket at the UK university level, the Premier National brings together the best teams and players in the country. The competition is fierce as universities battle throughout the summer to be crowned the number-one team in the UK.
Reigning champions Loughborough will look to defend their crown after suffering just one defeat on their way to the title last season meanwhile newcomers, Solent will be looking to establish themselves in the top flight after securing promotion from the Premier South Division.
Men’s Premier South
2021/22 Champions: Solent
Number of Teams: 7
After suffering relegation from the National Division at the hands of Solent, Bristol will begin their campaign to climb back into the top division against Cardiff Met.
Last year’s South Eastern Tier 1 winner, Reading also join the Premier South and will take on Sussex in their season opener. The seven teams from the South will compete to secure the top spot and earn the opportunity to move into the top tier.
Men’s Premier North
2021/22 Champions: Leeds
Number of Teams: 7
After narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier National, Leeds will look to replicate last season’s success and begin their title defense against Durham.
Last year’s Scottish Tier 1 Division champions, Stirling achieved promotion to the Premier North and will kick their season off with an opening match against the only other Scottish team in the league, Edinburgh.
Women’s Premier South
2021/22 Champions: Exeter
Number of Teams: 4
With six wins out of six, Exeter’s women’s team dominated the Premier South Division last season. As well as hoping to retain their Division title, the reigning champions will also be looking to improve on last year’s Semi-Final appearance in the National Championship.
Women’s Premier North
2021/22 Champions: Loughborough UCCE
Number of Teams: 4
Loughborough UCCE were crowned champions of the North last year after dominating the division. The Leicestershire-based university won all six games on their way to earning back-to-back Premier North titles.
Sheffield Hallam replace rivals Sheffield in the Premier North Division after securing the Northern Tier 1 Division last year.
How we can help find the right team for you
Whilst the Premier Divisions represent the best teams in the country, many universities will field multiple teams every year, providing playing opportunities for cricketers at different stages of their careers. With over 230 teams and 25 leagues that compete annually, there are plenty of playing opportunities for male and female players of all ability levels.
When making a decision to study at a UK university based on its cricket program, it is important to find teams where you will have the chance to compete on a regular basis. This is where we can help!
We proudly work with many leading cricket institutions in the UK and regularly speak with coaches to discuss their recruitment needs. Whether you are an experienced player or looking to compete on a social level, we can connect you directly with coaches and sports staff so that you can learn more about the playing opportunities available.
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