UCLU Men's Rugby has scooped major prize at annual British Universities Colleges and Sports Awards

UCLU Men's Rugby Club was last month awarded the prestigious title of BUCS Club of the Year 2015.

The Club of the Year Award honours a club who have shown commitment to increasing participation, inclusion and diversity in its membership.

The club's achievements include significant fundraising for Stonewall UK and signing of the #nobystanders pledge. In addition, the club have supported UCLU Women's Officer's Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment Campaign, topped the league table for University Rugby Clubs in Movember's fundraising competition and engaged in weekly volunteer coaching with a junior rugby club.

The club's collective efforts have led to a spike in recruits, with so many new members that a new development XV was created.

The award panel were impressed by UCLU Men's Rugby Club's desire to break away from outdated stereotypes of rugby players and their efforts to improve the inclusivity of their club.

Held at The University of Liverpool, the 2015 BUCS Awards Dinner was attended by many influential sports people from across the Higher Education sector. The awards were presented by Commonwealth Gold Medallist Heptathlete, Louise Hazel.

For further information and a full list of nominees can be found at the BUCS Website.

Katie Sykes, Sports Development Coordinator, UCLU