Flood struck down by captain’s curse

CAMBRIDGE University are lining-up Jamie Benson to fill Toby Flood’s No.10 jersey for the 141st Varsity Match at Twickenham in March after the former England star broke his ankle on Wednesday.

Flood, 37, was captaining the Light Blues in their traditional pre-Christmas clash with the SteeleBoder’s XV at Grange Road when he was injured in a ruck in the fifth minute.

It took 10 minutes to get the 60-times capped former England No.10 off the pitch and he underwent surgery on Wednesday night for a dislocated and broken ankle and fracture to his leg.

Flood’s injury continued the recent ‘captain’s curse’ at Cambridge. England U20 and Saracens centre Charlie Watson was forced to miss most of last season when he was captain due to injury and now Flood has gone the same way.

“I wasn’t happy with the officials,” said Cambridge head coach James Shanahan. “He survived the first clear-out and should have had a penalty and then they allowed an illegal clear-out next coming in the side. I don’t think the incident needed to happen. I’m pretty frustrated.

“I’d be amazed if Toby makes it to Twickenham – there seems to be a captain’s curse. The boys are going to be disappointed at losing a quality player, leader and really good bloke.

“We’ve got Max Loveridge, who stepped in for Toby against Bodger’s, and did really well. We also have Jamie Benson, England U20 and Harlequins, who is a quality No.10.

“He’s currently injured but will be OK. We’re lucky we’ve got some strength in depth, but you can’t not miss a player like Toby given his experience.”

While the Light Blues were winning 36-26, Oxford were also in action at Iffley Road. They beat the Major Stanley’s XV 29-17, scoring five tries. Outside- half Harry Bridgewater was the man of the match and scored one of the tries. Others came from Liam Furniss, Harry Scobie, Mike Fankah and Jack Glover.

Both teams have a six week break before resuming their seven-match run up to the Varsity Match on Saturday, March 25.