Uni’s rugby on a high after Oxford invitation
NORTHUMBRIA University’s burgeoning reputation as a hotbed for rugby union has been strengthened significantly following this week’s prestigious clash against Oxford University.
That’s the verdict of proud head coach Darren Fearn after the current Super Rugby leaders were invited to play a friendly against one of the most famous clubs in the country.
A side showcasing the very best of Northumbria’s emerging secondteam stars eventually went down 40-7 against a strong Oxford side.
But a buoyant Fearn said: “I thought the game was really beneficial.
“A lot of the second team played and they only really play in their league so it’s nice to be able to see them in a Super Rugby environment – without the pressure associated with a top-flight match.
“It was a really tough environment to go into so I think it was a really good measure to see which lads can play at that intensity.
“It was also a great experience because a lot of the second-team lads only travel as far as Leeds.
“To have that opportunity to travel and see what that aspect of the sport entails is invaluable – a lot of these guys will end up playing first-team rugby down the line.
“I was really impressed by Seb Rees in the centre, Ethan Murray at flanker and Tom Cooksey too.
“We might have lost but it was great to see those lads in that environment, knowing that it won’t affect their league position.”
Fearn’s side have had a spectacular start to the season – five wins from six means TN’s start to the season has not gone unnoticed – and Oxford were keen to test themselves against the Super Rugby pace-setters.
“It felt unique, seeing Northumbria University alongside Oxford,” said Fearn.
“When we discussed our four-year plan at the end of last summer, I never would have thought we’d have come this far so quickly.
“I think it’s absolutely brilliant for Northumbria University.
“Oxford’s season is now building up to their varsity game with Cambridge, so the fact that they approached us shows that Northumbria is gaining respect.
“We’ve always wanted to play good teams – especially in our weeks off.
“We wanted to play big, competitive games and at the start of the season both Oxford and Cambridge were mentioned but we thought we were still some way off that level.
“It’s fantastic that we’re now in a position to play these kind of games, but at the same time we have to make sure that our foot is firmly down and we don’t step off the gas.”
Northumbria return to the BUCS Super Rugby fray next Friday when they host Durham University at Kingston Park (7pm kick-off).