Six Nations Reunion: Birmingham Alumni Keep Tradition Alive
In a heartwarming testament to the lifelong friendships forged at the University of Birmingham, a group of alumni from the early 1980s continue to reunite each year to watch the Six Nations together—more than four decades after their student days. As the university celebrates its 125th anniversary, their story is a shining example of the enduring connections that Birmingham has fostered across generations.
What started as a small gathering in 2011 has grown into a cherished tradition, bringing together 15-20 former students who first bonded over rugby and university life. Organised by Steve Searle, the annual reunion has seen the group travel from as far as Italy and France to relive old memories and create new ones.
A Friendship Built on Rugby and University Life
The roots of this tradition trace back to the university’s vibrant sporting community, with many of the group having played rugby at UoB. Among them is Phil Pask, who went on to win a European Cup medal with Northampton Saints and serve as a physio for England and the British & Irish Lions.
Despite pursuing different career paths, the group has always stayed connected. A WhatsApp group of 35 former students keeps conversations alive, with members regularly meeting up beyond the annual Six Nations weekend. Over the years, the reunions have grown, sometimes including partners, and notably, five members met their future spouses while at UoB, with some of the alumni attending.
“We all just pick up where we left off,” says Steve Searle. “It started small, but now it’s a real highlight of the year for all of us. It’s about more than just rugby—it’s about friendship.”
From Broad Street to Campus: A Tradition That Lives On
The group’s first ‘official’ meet-up in 2011 took place on the day of the Royal Wedding, with 10 members gathering to catch up. By 2012, they extended the invite to partners, staying in hotels along Broad Street, bringing the numbers up to nearly 30. More recently, the meet-ups have returned to a ‘blokes-only’ format, with O’Neill’s becoming a regular meeting point.
This year, the alumni watched the matches at the University of Birmingham’s own Students’ Union, with some staying at the new on-campus hotel—bringing their journey full circle.
While their rugby weekends have changed over time, one thing remains constant: their commitment to keeping the tradition alive. Even with uncertainty around Six Nations broadcasting in 2026, the group remains optimistic about finding a way to continue their gatherings.
“As long as at least two of us turn up, that’s all that matters,” Searle says. “But we know it’ll always be more.”
As the University of Birmingham celebrates its 125th anniversary, this story is a testament to the lifelong connections formed at the institution. The friendships forged in the early 1980s continue to thrive, demonstrating the strong sense of community that has defined Birmingham for generations.
This Six Nations reunion is just one example of how the university experience extends far beyond graduation, uniting alumni across the decades in shared traditions and lasting friendships.
While their rugby weekends have changed over time, one thing remains constant: their commitment to keeping the tradition alive. Even with uncertainty around Six Nations broadcasting in 2026, the group remains optimistic about finding a way to continue their gatherings.
