The 2022-23 season of the Women’s National League is just around the corner, and just like in BUCS Super Rugby, Durham look to defend the title. Last season’s league champions open their season with a visit to last season’s National Champions Hartpury, in what could be the clash of the opening round of fixtures.
Our most recent National Champions, coached by England and Gloucester-Hartpury star Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt, start their season with back-to-back home games, with the second of those against Cardiff Met. In round three they cross the Scottish border to take on Edinburgh, in a repeat of the National Championship Final that took place at Sixways back in April.
Back in the Women’s National League after earning promotion, the 2019 National Championship winners Exeter will look to hit the ground running with away trips to Cardiff Met and Loughborough in round 1 and 2, before hosting Durham in round 3.
The Archers and the African Violet will have to wait until round 3 to do battle in the Welsh capital. Before then, they both host Exeter, while Loughborough travel to Edinburgh in round 1, and Cardiff Met head to Gloucester to take on Hartpury in round 2.
Claire Cruikshank’s Tartan Army will be on the fast train calling at redemption, and redemption only as they look to better their 4th place finish from last season. With a host of Scottish internationals included in their ranks over recent years, including Shona Campbell and last season’s Player of the Season Meryl Smith, Edinburgh are not ones to be underestimated.
The BUCS Women’s National League continues to provide opportunities for development and create a pathway for young players in the UK. Following a breakout season for the league, with more eyes on it than ever before in 2021-22, we’ll be bringing you the action in our livestreamed games across 2022-23. We can’t wait for another thrilling season of one of the best university leagues in the UK!
The full list of fixtures for the upcoming season can be found here.
