Defeat for England Students but the programme continues to create memories and act as a springboard
England Students went down 42-31 in the south-west of France
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When looking back on the university rugby season, the re-emergence of Hartpury University will always stand out.
The striking words of boss Dan Murphy in the lead up to the BUCS Super Rugby final rang true as he put the Gloucestershire institution ‘back on the map’ following their triumph in South Wales.
The reintroduction of the England Students Women’s programme is also certainly something to get excited about, but the continuation of the England Students Men’s side - and what it means to represent your country - remains a serious highlight in the university calendar.
Pulling on that England Students jersey is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a university student, and last Saturday, a group of 23 men did their country proud against France Universities at the Stade Beaudry in Terrasson.
Unfortunately, Martin Webdale’s side couldn’t repeat the heroics of 2023 when they clinched victory on French soil as the hosts claimed the trophy with a 42-31 win.
“Extremely proud of the group of players,” Webdale told TRU. “For all 23 of them to pull a rose onto their chest and wear that badge with pride was great to see.
“For some of them, it was the first time, and some had done it before, but as a group, everyone had an amazing experience both in England and once out in France.
“The efforts on the pitch can’t be faulted. It was a tough game in the heat, and those who started and came off the bench gave 100% all round.
“The week's experience as a whole was a really good experience for the whole group, coming together from different institutions and making great bonds on and off the field.
“A huge thanks to the RAF and the staff at RAF Henlow for hosting us fantastically well, and it was really nice to work with different players and a different group of coaches as well.”
With 73 points shared between the two sides, it was another pulsating chapter in the history of England Students, but it was all to play for come half-time as Bristol Bears' new signing Will Ramply crashed over from close range.
“It was really cool to be able to represent England,” Ramply said. “Growing up, I never had that chance at an age-grade level, so to be able to do that was amazing.
“Even when I came to university, I never thought I’d get that opportunity, but the England Students has given me that pathway to do so. It was a really proud moment seeing my parents in the crowd, it was really emotional.”
The Nottingham University second row had a monumental campaign in BUCS Super Rugby. He was named in the Team of the Season, and just last week, whilst in camp, it was announced he had earned a contract with Bristol.
“I’m really looking forward to playing for Bristol next year,” Ramply added.
“Last year in BUCS, I played well, and this year, through livestreams and a bit of exposure, I got picked up by an agent who got me this opportunity to play in a trial game down in Bristol, who were interested, and within a week of that happening, I was offered a contract.
“So it all came about pretty quickly, but I'm really excited. It will obviously be a step up from BUCS, but BUCS has given me this foot in the door to get this opportunity, and I can’t wait to rip into it next season and get involved and improve in that environment.
“The Students programme is also so important to player development. It gives players like me who may have missed out at age-grade level the opportunity to represent England, which previously they may have felt was not possible.
“For example, I went through the Northampton academy and didn’t get offered a contract, and I thought my door was shut in that regard, but through going to university and this programme, it’s given me this opportunity and definitely plays a big part in attracting players to BUCS Super Rugby.”
The unique opportunity that the England Students pathway offers was a sentiment echoed at full-time by captain Lucas Dorrell.
The Exeter University skipper, alongside Hartpury’s Josiah Edwards-Giraud, became the first players to represent England Students for three consecutive years.
Dorrell explained: “BUCS and the England Students programme, with all it has to offer, is a very unique environment where you’re able to get an education as well.
“The fact it can now be a springboard for so many people to progress into the professional game because clubs are recognising it, means you’re playing with and against quality players.
“It also means that we’re able to represent our country in an England Students jersey, which is massively important.
“It was another great experience. Each year has been unique in its own way. There were fewer Exeter boys this year, but it was good to make new friends from other universities and to have Martin as a coach was unique, but was really good.
“It was pretty awesome to lead the boys out again. It was a special group, and to be captain of a group like that makes me very proud, and I’ve made loads of mates from it so I’m very grateful.”
The game itself played out in typical ‘Le Crunch’ fashion as neither side ever felt like they had full control, but it was a true spectacle enjoyed by over 3,000 fans and was the perfect advertisement for the quality of student rugby on both sides of the channel.
“It was a different sort of experience as a game, whether that’s BUCS Super Rugby or others, just because the way the French played is slightly different to what the guys are used to,” Webdale said.
“I think when we could control the ball, especially controlling the speed of the breakdown, we were really effective. I thought our set piece and, particularly, our scrum was incredibly strong.
“But the French, whenever we made an error or there was a small break or loose bounce of the ball, they capitalised on that and were really ruthless.”
Dorrell added: “It felt like we had some ascendancy, particularly in the forwards. I think the French had a good set of backs and were all individually very good players.
“I think we struggled a bit when we pushed the ball out wide, and their defence gave us some issues there, but at no point did it feel like we were out of the game, and that’s been the case for the past couple of years in all of the games.
“They’ve been high scoring and never really felt like either team was completely dominant, but fair play to the French for getting the win in the end.”
