25 BUCS Super Rugby graduates have signed professional deals for the upcoming 2022/23 season.
25 BUCS Super Rugby graduates have signed professional deals for the upcoming 2022/23 season.
12 professional clubs from the U.K. and abroad have signed the graduates, with six grads from Cardiff Metropolitan University and four each from last year’s League Champions, Durham University and National Championship winners, the University of Exeter.
BUCS Super Rugby has a track record for developing quality rugby players with countless previous graduates now plying their trade professionally.
BUCS Head of Competitions and Performance, Andy Gilvary was delighted with the news saying:
“The impressive number of graduates from BUCS Super Rugby into the professional game for the fifth successive season shows the growth of the league since its inception in 2016-17. We would like to thank all 12 institutions that have been involved in the league up until now and wish the best of luck to the 25 players who signed professional contracts for next season and beyond.”
What is BUCS Super Rugby?
BUCS Super Rugby is the highest level of Rugby Union in the U.K. University sport system.
The league consists of the 10 best university teams in the country. The continuous promotion and relegation of teams between the divisions of UK university rugby ensure that each team gets a chance to compete at the highest level. The BUCS Super Rugby final itself is the showpiece event of the rugby season and sees the best two teams in the country battle it out.
Players in Focus
We note down some of the stand-out signings for the clubs across the U.K. and abroad and where you will be seeing them this season.
Fred Davies
Nationality: English
University: Durham University
Team: Bedford Blues
After winning back-to-back Super Rugby titles, Hooker Fred Davies will be continuing his rugby journey at Bristol Bears.
The former Durham captain is the all time leading points scorer in BUCS Super Rugby history after he shattered the try scoring record for the league during the 2021/22 season.
Toti and Jono Benz-Salomon
Nationality: Spanish
University: Hartpury University
Team: Bristol Bears
Born in Spain, the twin brothers were recently announced in the Bristol Bears’ first team squad for the upcoming 22/23 Gallagher Premiership season.
They will have the chance to continue their development in a forward pack that consists of England internationals.
Chris Moore
Nationality: Irish
University: University of Exeter
Team: Munster
21-year-old Chris Moore has been announced as part of the Munster squad ahead of the new season.
As an Irishman, Moore will be playing in his native country after previously representing the Ireland U18s whilst studying at the University of Exeter.
Joel Broadhurst
Nationality: English
University: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Team: Souths Rugby
The second-row forward has signed for Australia’s Queensland Premier Rugby side Souths Rugby.
The Brisbane-based club signed the youngster ahead of the 2022/23 season after a fantatsic career at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Marijn Huis
Nationality: Dutch
University: Durham University
Team: Coventry Rugby
Huis is no stranger to professional rugby, the second-row forward was called in to train with the Netherlands Senior Squad during his third year at Durham University.
The Dutchman also went on to represent his country in the Rugby Europe Championship during the 2021/22 campaign.
Tom Hitchcock
Nationality: English
University: University of Exeter
Team: London Irish
The combative center helped Exeter win the 2021/22 BUCS Super Rugby National Championship at Sixways Stadium, beating Durham for their first title in six years.
22-year-old Tom signed a deal earlier this summer with the Brentford-based club.
Other players with professional contracts
- Rhys Charalambous – Prop (Leeds Beckett University) – Bristol Bears
- Martin Mulhall – Prop (Swansea University) – Bristol Bears
- Oscar Lennon – Scrum Half (Hartpury University) – Bristol Bears
- Harry Craven – Scrum Half (Durham University) – Wasps
- Charlie Titcombe – Fly Half (Loughborough University) – Worcester Warriors
- Charles Rylands – Flanker (Cardiff Metropolitan University) – Bedford Blues
- Monty Royston – Prop (Durham University) – Bedford Blues
- Will Rigg – Centre (Cardiff Metropolitan University) – Coventry
- Ollie Andrews – Prop (Cardiff Metropolitan University) – Coventry
- Olly White – Flanker (University of Exeter) – Cornish Pirates
- Morgan Nelson – Hooker (Cardiff Metropolitan University) – Cornish Pirates
- Bailey Marshall-Telfer – Flanker (Cardiff Metropolitan University) – Cornish Pirates
- Rahul Patel – Centre (University of Bath) – Cornish Pirates
- George Cave – Prop (University of Bath) – Cornish Pirates
- Will Yarnell – Scrum Half (University of Exeter) – Doncaster Knights
- David Douglas Bridge – Lock (Loughborough University) – Ealing Trailfinders
- Sam Smith – Winger (Leeds Beckett University) – London Scottish
- Dan Cuthbert – Lock (Loughborough University) – London Scottish
BUCS Super Rugby – A pathway to create future stars
With an incredible 25 players signing professional contracts for 2022/2023 season, BUCS Super Rugby continues to prove to be a legitimate pathway for student-athletes seeking to play beyond their university years.
As well as BUCS Super Rugby, there is a wide range of fantastic opportunities for male and female rugby players. Read more about UK University Rugby Union via the link below.
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