Freshers
Coming to Bristol in September?
Welcome to Bristol! Whether you’re here to play competitive rugby, pick up the sport for the first time, or just want a strong community alongside your degree, UBHRFC is the club for you.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions from those interested in playing with the UBH. If you're not sure about anything and want to ask us directly, just drop us a message @ubhrfc on instagram or email us at unitedbristolhospitalsrfc@gmail.com
UBH Freshers'
Whatsapp Groupchat
Why join the UBH? A proud, student-run club: UBHRFC has a long history and a strong reputation across Bristol. The club is led by students, for students, which means everything we do is shaped around what our members want. Rugby for all levels: from academy and national representatives to complete beginners, everyone has a place here. You’ll never be left on the sidelines (unless you'd rather spectate) Culture of camaraderie and support: our focus is on inclusion, friendship, and making sure freshers feel part of the club straight away. We don’t do “fresher” hierarchies. More than just rugby: we look after each other off the pitch too. Mental health and wellbeing are embedded in the club’s values, so you’ll always have people to turn to.
Do I have to be a medic to join? No! Whilst most of our players are medics, we welcome students from any course at the University of Bristol. Plenty of our members study subjects adjacent or entirely different to medicine.
What’s the standard like? Our 1st XV play at a standard similar to the university 1st/2nd teams. We compete in NAMS Cup fixtures against other medical schools across the country, and compete in the NAMS Cup (which we won in 2023/24). Our 2nd XV play in the NAMS Cup's second division (current title holders) and have regular friendlies against other universities and local teams. Both teams take part in the annual Medics Varsity day against Cardiff Medics, one of the biggest events in the calendar.
I’ve never played before - will I get game time? Yes! We cater for every ability, from those who’ve played rugby their whole lives to those stepping on a pitch for the first time. Our wide variety of fixtures means there’s always a chance to play at the right level for you.
Do you run trials? No. We think trials create barriers. Instead, everyone gets stuck in from the very first session at whatever level you're most comfortable. It’s the best way to learn and to become part of the club.
When do you train and play? Matches: Saturdays at Coombe Dingle, the University’s sports ground. Training: Tuesday and Friday evenings at Coombe Dingle, with structured sessions run by our coaching team.
What support do freshers get? Family system: every fresher is put in a family of students from every year group. These older students check in regularly and help you to settle in. Many of these pairings turn into lasting friendships and sources of personal/academic support. Mental health first aiders: several of our clubmen are trained through Ted’s Friends, mental health partner charity of ours. These clubmen are recognisable and approachable faces for your needs, be them reaching out in a crisis or a casual coffee. Campaigns and initiatives: we take part in projects like Movember every year to raise awareness and support men’s health. A community that looks after its own: you’ll always have someone to lean on, whether that’s for rugby, uni life, or anything else.
What’s the social side like? Regular socials: we host about 10 socials in first term, at our clubhouse, Sportsman’s, just outside of city centre. Themed events: several of our socials are fancy dress where we all dress up and have a night out, in costume. Club traditions: annual Old Boys Dinner (with past clubmen returning), the Medics Sports 'Dinner' (Dominos and a pub crawl), and the whole course Medics Bar Crawl. Tours: our biennial tour to Nantes is legendary and widely regarded as one of the best weekends of uni life. This year, we'll be away so it'll be an even bigger weekend for everyone.
You've charmed me. How do I sign up? We have a freshers' Whatsapp group that you can request to join through the QR code at the top or the link here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVO8okPVvWq04wtGdU4RGt?mode=ems_copy_t Website (this one): ubhrfc.com Facebook: United Bristol Hospitals RFC Instagram: @ubhrfc Director of Rugby: mikearmiger@ubhrfc.com Captains: unitedbristolhospitalsrfc@gmail.com