University of Bath addresses claims of rugby club’s ‘disturbing and unacceptable behaviour’

University of Bath students have raised concerns about “spiking” and rugby club members’ “disturbing and unacceptable behaviour towards female students”. 

The Students’ Union stated: “The University of Bath Rugby Club has become aware of concerns circulating among the student community within Bath that associate the club with disturbing and unacceptable behaviour towards female students.”

Students also raised “the same concerns” about members of the rugby club during Freshers’ Week in 2025.

The Rugby Club said it has “not organised, promoted, or attempted to arrange any activity of this nature”, and it “does not condone, encourage, or accept targeting, coercion, harassment, intimidation, or any behaviour that puts others at risk”.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The SU Bath (@thesubath)

The University of Bath also shared a statement: “We are aware of comments online relating to potential spiking risks to students. The University of Bath and the SU (the Students’ Union) do not tolerate spiking and will take action to prevent and respond to incidents of spiking.”

Bath then reminded the student body that “spiking is illegal and carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison”.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by University of Bath (@uniofbath)

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“All students must complete mandatory NeverOK training on student behaviour,” the University of Bath added.

University of Bath students are encouraged to report inappropriate behaviour to venue staff, the SU Advice Service, the #NeverOK programme’s team, or campus security through the SafeZone app.

In 2020, the Students’ Union banned the men’s rugby union team from participating in Varsity following a string of complaints about excessive alcohol consumption, alleged sexual “misconduct” and violent behaviour.

The sports officer at the time told Somerset Live: “Between October 2018 and October 2019, the SU were made aware of a large number of complaints which resulted in disciplinary action for Rugby club members. Whilst these were dealt with within SU or university procedures, we decided to take additional action to ensure there was no underlying problem within the club.”

The University of Bath and the Students’ Union have been contacted for comment.

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Featured image credit: Si Chun LAM via Creative Commons license.