EX-QEGS George is ready for his Varsity challenge
GEORGE Tresidder will run out at Twickenham tomorrow to become the first former Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School pupil to win a Blue.
The 24-year-old from Ashbourne will play for Oxford University in the annual Varsity match at the England rugby union headquarters, taking on the light blues of Cambridge in a meeting of the old foes which dates back to 1872.
Tresidder, in his second year reading history at Harris Manchester College, will line up at scrum half for the dark blues and that will be a proud moment for everyone at his old school.
“You could always see that George had the quality to make it,” said former QEGS head of PE Martin Farr.
“If he had been an inch or two taller, he would be playing in the Premiership now, in my opinion, but even though he isn’t the biggest he’s picked up a couple of injuries because he’s not afraid to put himself in danger.
“He was also a good footballer and good cricketer – a great all-round sportsman but also a very humble, well-grounded person and a lovely guy.”
Tresidder developed his skills as a youth player with Derby Rugby Club, where he was spotted and signed by Leicester Tigers.
During his time at Welford Road, he led Tigers to Plate success in the 2014 Premiership Sevens tournament but was released after making only one Premiership appearance and went on to play 13 Championship games for Rotherham Titans, as well as four more in the British and Irish Cup.
However, he decided to put his professional rugby career on hold to go back to his studies.