Loughborough quartet named in England Students squad

Four of Loughborough’s triumphant BUCS Super Rugby side have been called up for England Students ahead of their match against France Universities at Coventry's Butts Park Arena on May 4th.

Less than a week on since they defeated Exeter University 35-31 at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium, the quartet of Charlie Briers, Eric Nixon, George Taylor and Morgan Meredith have all been named in the 23-player squad by Head Coach Darren Fearn.

Finalists and BUCS Super Rugby league winners Exeter have five representatives, including formidable back-rowers Lucas Dorrell and Jack Forsythe.

Durham's Max Pepper - who made his Premiership debut for Newcastle Falcons against Bristol Bears last weekend - is also part of the team.

Jay Ecclesfield (Nottingham Trent) and Newcastle University duo Joe Mounsey and Oli Fletcher are the only players not attached to BSR sides to be included.

Darren Fearn, England Students Head Coach, said: “Coventry is a great club with a rich history; we’re hoping to get a big crowd down on the 4th May to support the England Students side versus French Students.

“It’s always a really exciting test match and a great spectacle. I'm sure there’s going to be a lot of future Premiership, Championship and Top 14 players on show, as there has been for the last numerous years.

“It’s always a tough challenge against the French. We went over to France last year and got our first win there for 17 years, which was special.

“They’re always a really strong opposition, and they’ve got players who go on to play Top 14 and Pro D2. A lot of players from England Students over the years have gone on to play regularly in the Premiership and the Championship. It’s a great development opportunity, it’s a great test match, and it’s always a good rugby game!”

England Students squad to face France Universities (includes university):

Barnaby Waddell (Cardiff Met)
Callum Hancock (Leeds Beckett)
Charlie Briers (Loughborough)
Charlie McCaig (Exeter)
Connor Hancock (Leeds Beckett)
Connor Moyse (Nottingham)
Eric Nixon (Loughborough)
George Taylor (Loughborough)
Iwan Price-Thomas (Bath)
Jack Forsythe (Exeter)
Jay Ecclesfield (Nottingham Trent)
Joe Mounsey (Newcastle)
Joshua MacAndrew (Exeter)
Josiah Edwards-Giraud (Hartpury)
Louis Kirkham (Leeds Beckett)
Lucas Dorrell (Exeter)
Max Pepper (Durham)
Morgan Meredith (Loughborough)
Oliver Fletcher (Newcastle)
Rhys William Price (Hartpury)
Tom Gulley (Exeter)
Thomas Matthews (Hartpury)
Will Jeanes (Bath)