After the initial agreement by the two parties in 2017, the updated version will see them work together on activities and projects promoting university sport in particular, rugby sevens.

It will include ensuring quality refereeing and equipment at EUSA competitions while exchanging information at events, as well as encouraging EUSA members to create networks at a national level.

The new agreement will be implemented by the time of the next European University Games, planned for Belgrade in Serbia in 2021.

Octavian Morariu, President of Rugby Europe expressed his delight of the renewal of the partnership.

"We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with EUSA with this new agreement," said Morariu.

"To promote and play rugby at university is a key element for players development and retention in our sport throughout Europe.

"This agreement will also offer new opportunities to our referees, adding to our current officials' pathway, to gain experience at more international events."

EUSA President Adam Roczek added: "For three years, EUSA and Rugby Europe have worked together in promoting and developing rugby across the continent, together making a significant contribution to the promotion of an active and healthy way of life.

"By signing the new agreement, we believe we have further strengthened our cooperation which will result in an even greater impact on student-athletes across Europe who will no doubt benefit from the fruits of this renewed partnership."

Elsewhere, USA Rugby have forged a similar partnership with the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) in an aim to deliver a better student-athlete experience for rugby players in the United States.

It comes after USA Rugby filed for bankruptcy in March and now seeks a new governance model.

CRAA will remain a member of USA Rugby with representation present in the governance of the organisation too and will now also oversee the women's Division 1 Elite and Division 1 along with its current governance over the Men's Division 1A.

The partnership will see members provided insurance, with coaches and referees being given certification and development and eligibility to be involved in the high performance programme.

CRAA will continue to manage its own competitions and governance in conjunction with the other college organisations.

D1A Commissioner Kevin Battle said: "USA Rugby witnessed the perfect storm; a financial crisis coupled with the COVID-19 shutdown of the sport.

"The challenges the union experienced brought on the opportunity to discuss mutually beneficial relationships to rebuild and create a better experience for our student athletes."

The bankruptcy of USA Rugby was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down sporting activity around the world.

CRAA chairman Paul Keeler added: "We as a rugby community need to do this together as stewards of the game.

"We worked to create the CRAA to enhance the student-athlete experience and ensure that we had an independent structure to play.

"We believe that structure needs to be a part of USA Rugby to create greater opportunity for our athletes.

"We certainly have the ability to operate on our own, independent of USA Rugby, but it's not about that.

"It's about partnering with other areas of college, youth, high school, senior club and Major League Rugby to develop players and provide opportunities."