Crowd behaviour at student rugby games is under fresh scrutiny after worrying scenes at last week’s British Universities and Colleges Sport student finals day at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium.
In addition to scuffles breaking out between rival supporters, the Metropolitan police have confirmed that a 19-year-old man reported being assaulted when a dispute spilled over into the car park later in the evening.
A police spokesman said the man was not injured but confirmed there was a previous altercation at the stadium during the men’s final between Exeter University and Loughborough University. It is understood groups of students exchanged verbal insults before tempers flared again later, with police confirming one man had run into the side of a vehicle containing other students.
No arrests have been made and after review of the available CCTV footage, no further police action is being taken but at least one observer was shocked by the behaviour he witnessed.
The Rugby Football Union has confirmed it is in contact with BUCS officials but has yet to establish if those responsible for the trouble either play rugby at any level or are otherwise connected with the sport. An RFU spokesperson told the Guardian: “BUCS are looking into what happened and keeping us updated.”
The men’s final, ironically, had been an outstanding advertisement for university rugby, with Exeter eventually winning 48-44 after extra time.
Poor behaviour at student games, however, has been a recurring issue over the years. In 2017 police were called after drunken students from Bristol University and the University of the West of England fought running battles during and after a “Varsity” game at Ashton Gate. The annual fixture was subsequently suspended and several students were disciplined.
In a statement, a BUCS spokesperson said: “Following a truly exceptional display of student rugby at the BUCS Super Rugby and Women’s National League National Championship Finals, we are working in partnership with the RFU and the SRFU [Student’s RFU] to conduct a thorough investigation into the events and crowd behaviour that took place within the stadium.
“BUCS has strict regulations regarding misconduct, and we will continue to work with universities to develop positive club culture and initiatives, and ensure that this is the focus moving forwards.”
