BUCS CIMA University Touch Championship hits new heights for 2026

It's a record-breaking BUCS CIMA University Touch Championships at Nottingham Riverside this Saturday, as 39 teams head to the midlands for the opening round of the 2026 competition.

CIMA renewed its partnership with England Touch last October, reinforcing their joint commitment to developing future leaders through sport and business. The agreement compliments the parallels between the two – teamwork, communication, resilience, and strategic thinking, while elevating Touch Rugby as a sport of choice across UK universities.

Paul Turner, Vice President – UK and Ireland, said: “It’s great to be back supporting England Touch in what is set to be an even better and more exciting season. The competition gives university students the perfect opportunity to excel in teamwork, leadership, and resilience – all skills that are essential to thrive in today’s fastmoving workplace.

"Wishing every team the very best of luck. Enjoy the competition, play with passion, and most importantly, have fun.”

The 39 teams range from Exeter to Edinburgh, with both returning universities such as Falmouth and expanded numbers of entrants from the likes of Birmingham and Nottingham Trent.

Tap off is at 9am, with the Cup final at 3:30pm. Watch all day on the England Touch website home page!

Division 1

Pool A Nottingham Trent 1, Cardiff 1, Birmingham 1, Bath 2

Pool B Exeter 1, Nottingham 1, Bristol 1, Birmingham 2

Pool C Loughborough 1, Exeter 2, Loughborough 2, Oxford 1

Pool D Bath 1, Edinburgh 1, Surrey 1, Durham 1

Division 2

Group E Edinburgh 2, Oxford Brookes 1, Loughborough 3

Group F Exeter 3, Manchester, Surrey 2, Nottingham Trent 3

Group G Nottingham Trent 2, Bath 3, Cambridge, Leeds 2

Group H Southampton, Birmingham 3, Oxford 2, Wolverhampton

Group I Nottingham 2, Cardiff 2, Loughborough 4, Bristol 2