The University of Northampton offers both the chance to play with the team at an elite level and gives players the best opportunity to succeed at a local club level. 

With club rugby becoming increasingly popular with the younger generation, having the space to grow and enjoy rugby is becoming ever more important. 

UON Bears have a rich history of setting building blocks for their players to compete with local, grassroots clubs such as ONS and Casuals and this year is no different. 

Bears President Oscar Chapman said: “The great thing about men’s rugby is that you can go out to other clubs and learn multiple positions and then you can come back here and test out what you’ve learnt.

“It does help people’s development whether you are playing locally with ONS or Causals as I’ve already mentioned or like others have done and played further afield at teams like St Albans it is good.” 

Rugby at the university has seen a stark increase in engagements within both the men’s and women’s teams and with the support of the coaches players are given the best room to improve.

Chapman also feels that local clubs don’t just offer a chance to play but also a common interest for people to bond and grow friendships. 

“It gives you a wider contact span and you meet more people and the more people you play with and play against gives you a better position to learn the sport and grow as a person as well,” said Chapman. 

Encouraging new and older members of the team to go out and get involved in grassroots rugby around Northampton there could be an even larger growth in university rugby.

The focus on developing a welcoming environment within the university and club has been a contributing factor to the Bear’s success.