The league is named for its governing body, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).

The Championship competition has three rounds and typically takes place in April.

Relegation from (and promotion to) BUCS Super Rugby is decided through a playoff in the format of a three-team, single-elimination tournament.

The bottom placed BUCS Super Rugby team has a bye directly into the playoff game.

The winner of the playoff game is the team that plays in the next season of BUCS Super Rugby.