University Rugby Union Leagues In Scotland
University rugby union in Scotland is predominantly organised through BUCS, the British Universities Sports Association. Unlike in England and Wales, where a pyramid system of 4 regions and a Premier above exists, the Scottish system is separate. However, Scottish universities do receive places in the end of season knock-out tournaments which decide overall British champions (see individual division entries below). However, due to the small size of the divisions (with clubs playing either 6 or 8 fixtures per season), some Scottish universities organise teams to play in regional or national leagues as part of the general Scottish league system for clubs, the Scottish League Championship. In addition, some universities organise University Saturday Leagues for their 2nd XV (see below), or they organise informal friendly matches. The following universities have teams playing elsewhere in Scottish Rugby:
- Edinburgh University RFC play in Division One of the Scottish National Leagues.
- Royal Dick Veterinary College RFC, which is part of the University of Edinburgh, play in Division Two of the Scottish National League, East. They do not participate in BUSA or USL leagues.
- Aberdeen University RFC, St Andrews University RFC and Stirling University RFC play in Division One of the Scottish National League, Caledonia.
- Edinburgh University RFC, 2nd XV play in the 2nd Division(East) of The Scottish 2nd XV League.
- Edinburgh University RFC, 3rd XV play in the 3rd Division (East)of The Scottish 2nd XV League.
- Edinburgh University RFC, 4th XV(Freshers) play in SRU development leagues
- Edinburgh University WRFC play in the Premier Division of the SWRU League. They participate in the BUSA Premier North league, whilst their 2nd XV plays in the SUSA League.
- Dundee University WRFC, Glasgow University WRFC and The Saints WRFC (St Andrews University) play in the First Division of the SWRU League.
Scotland is allocated the current proportion of places in the BUSA end of season knock-out tournaments:
- 2 of the 16 places in the BUCS Championship
- 2 of the 16 places in the BUCS Trophy
- 2 of the 16 places in the BUCS Shield
- 2 of the 32 places in the BUCS Plate
- 8 of the 32 places in the BUCS Vase
- 2 of the 16 places in the BUCS Women's Championship
A Scottish Universities Cup is also held, usually towards the end of the season.
Read more about University Rugby Union Leagues In Scotland: BUSA Scottish Conference, 2010-2011, BUSA Women's Scottish Conference
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