EURFC Varsity 2023 - vs Nottingham - 15 February 2023

EURFC

VS NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY

WEDNESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2023

KICK-OFF: 7.45PM

ISSUE 13 ENTRY £10

Good evening and welcome to Sandy Park for a huge fixture against Nottingham University.

Last time we were here, the side suffered an agonising defeat to Cardiff. With the table arguably tighter than it has ever been before, this evening’s match will go a long way to determining where we finish in the final shake-up.

It would be remiss of me to not mention the tireless effort and hours of work that go into putting on an event like this. Our thanks go to Tony Rowe OBE and all at Exeter Chiefs for making this event possible. I would also like to take this chance to thank Alison Davison, Charlotte Raymont & the AU team for supporting us in hosting this event.

The team behind the scenes at EURFC are another crucial part of what we do here and this club, both across the men’s and women’s programmes. EURFC would simply not function without their dedication and effort. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for everything they do. I know that the players are incredibly appreciative of everything that they all do as well, as am I. They are the glue that holds the club together.

DIRECTORS WELCOME

The fixture against Cardiff was the highest attended Term 1 Sandy Park fixture we have ever had. It’s heartening to know that the student body continue to support the side with such passion, especially on night’s like these.

We’ve run these Sandy Park events for a long time, but the noise around the stadium the last few times we have been here is something that I know the players will never forget.

After a disappointing start to the season, the side have come roaring back into contention at the top of the table over the last few weeks, with it all to play for at the business end of the season.

Our women’s side have guaranteed a top three finish in their first season back in the BUCS National League as well, with some superb performances both at home and away.

For the players on the field today, this is their event. We can’t wait for kick-off.

Keith Fleming Director of Rugby

AUPRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Avery warm welcome to Sandy Park, home of the Exeter Chiefs who are hosting us this evening. My name is James, your AU President and I’m very excited to welcome you all to another rugby fixture at Sandy Park.

I’m very glad you can be here at another sell-out crowd, helping to push our boys over the try line and keep climbing the BUCS Super Rugby table.

Coming off the back of winning BUCS Super Rugby National Championship in 2022, the team has been working harder than ever to put on a fantastic performance for you all and continue their success, hopefully resulting in a fantastic night of sport for everyone.

However, this event tonight would not be possible without the hard work from many of our student and staff members here with us. In particular, a huge thank you must go to the student sport team and the EURFC staff and committee members, for their dedication to making the student sport experience at Exeter so enjoyable. The Exeter Chiefs also deserve a notable thank you, both for hosting us this evening and for their continued support to EURFC.

This has undoubtably augmented the development of both individual players and the club as a whole.

Our thanks are also expressed to Tony Rowe OBE, with whom we value our

partnership and his commitment to helping the club grow from strength to strength. Additionally, the continued support of our sponsors, Timepiece, have contributed to the success of these events and we are so appreciative of David Meylan, George Sloan and Rob Skinner for their ongoing support to our Athletic Union.

Thank you to everyone supporting us at Sandy Park this evening and good luck to all players for what promises to be a fantastic game of rugby.

James Coffin AU President

MEN’SCLUB CAPTAINWELCOME

Good evening and welcome Sandy Park for our Varsity clash against Nottingham.

It is always the most prestigious event of our rugby calendar playing under the lights at Sandy Park. On behalf of EURFC, I would like to personally thank you all for your support from the stands - it is truly appreciated.

This season has been one filled with ups and downs both in BUCS Super Rugby and National 2 West. We’re currently sitting third in BUCS Super Rugby, but the league is so tight that anything could happen going into these final four rounds.

We saw that last Wednesday when our opponents this evening put down a marker against Cardiff Met. The defeat away to Cardiff for ourselves was a tough one to take, but it only serves to highlight the competitiveness within this league

We truly believe we can beat any team, at home or away, no matter what the view is outside of the camp and heading into these final four rounds, that is what we need to do. We’re in charge of our own destiny and we need to do everything we can to try and secure the league title.

It would be remiss of me not to thanks all the members of staff who have been so important in providing the foundations for the success of EURFC. An enormous thank you to Keith, Rich, Poppy, Haydn, Gareth, Les, Shane, Jack, Tony, Charles, Brad, Harry, Alex, Freya and Will for all of

their work behind the scenes.

Furthermore, I would like to thank Tony Rowe OBE and all the Sandy Park staff for letting us use these world class facilities and ensuring the smooth running of tonight’s match.

Another huge thank you to Alison Davison, Charlotte Raymont, James Coffin and the rest of the AU team. Without your help, this fixture could not have gone ahead.

A particularly special thank you goes to our sponsors, Patrick McCaig of Otter Brewery as well as George Sloan and the staff at Timepiece for continually supporting the club. I would also like to thank VX3 for providing all of our kit this season.

I am extremely honoured to be the men’s Club Captain this season and it is my pleasure to welcome you to Sandy Park for what promises to be a match of epic proportions.

Matt Cook

Men’s Club Captain

OFFICIAL KIT SUPPLIER OF EURFC

ONTHE CLOCK ROSS VINTCENT

Position: Backrow

Age: 20

Biggest Nause in the Squad:

Tom Cairns – always talking

Weirdest Player in the Squad:

Lucas Dorrell – just hates fun

Worst Rig in the Club:

Dan Dixon

Title of Your Autobiography:

The Stallion

Who Wouldn’t You Trust With Your Final £5?:

Archie Hill

BARTON LEADING FROMTHE FRONT

With 141 points already in BUCS Super Rugby this season, Josh Barton has revelled in a senior role within the Exeter camp.

Last season, Barton began the season as first-choice fly-half, before slotting the match-winning conversion in the BUCS National Final at Sixways.

Nottingham though, will be a tough opponent. Since the resumption of the league, they have claimed the scalps of Loughborough and Cardiff Met.

After a tough outing against tonight’s visitors earlier in the season, Barton was quick to credit what they have been able to put on the field.

“Theyshouldbelookingforwardtoitas muchasweare.Theyputupahugefight lasttimeandwearen’texpectinganything differentthistime.Theirbackshave scoredsomereallygoodtriesandthey aregoingtobeathreat.Wecan’tbe complacent,astherealisticthingisthat theywillcomeinandbemotivated.”

Reflecting on his time in Exeter so far, Barton was quick to credit the staff behind the scenes at the club, as well as the specialist coaching from Tony Yapp and Exeter Chiefs staff Haydn Thomas and Gareth Elliott.

“ThehelpthatChiefsgiveuswithHaydn andGarethisamazing.Haydnhas completelychangedthewayIlookatthe gameandIcertainlywouldn’tbethe playerIamtodaywithoutsomeofthe thingsthathehastaughtme.”

This season has been one of ups and downs for EURFC. After a few missteps along the way, they are still firmly in the hunt at the top end of the table.

Barton explained that despite having a young squad, there was a real confidence within the group that they can now continue to kick on.

“Wehaveayoungteamandit’salot youngerthanlastyear.It’stakenusa whiletogetintoit,buttheperformances beforetheendoflasttermshowedwhat wearecapableof.Ireallybelievethatwe cannowgoonandchasethegoalsthat wesetoutatthestartoftheseason.”

Varsity nights though, are a special occasion. Barton has played in three Sandy Park fixtures already and explained how the event captures the imagination of the entire student body.

“Varsityisamassiveeventforeveryonein Exeter.Youcanturnupasafresherand it’stheonethingthatyoustrivetoplayin. It’sanawesomeexperienceandonethat meanssomuch.”

With four games to go until the end of the season, the race for the title is the tightest it has ever been. As Barton explained, every match is now a must-win in BUCS Super Rugby.

“Anyonecanwintheleaguestillandit’s great.Noteamiscompletelydominant, anditmakesthemotivationtowinevery weekalothigherasit’savital,must-win game.”

ONTHE CLOCK WHITEHOUSE

Position:

Age: Funniest Moment on a Rugby Field:

Kat getting called a giraffe by the referee

Who Would Play You in a Film: Mila Kunis Specialist Subject on

Mastermind:

World Geography

Weirdest Person in the Squad: Lizzie Hanlon

EURFC MEN’S FIXTURES

BUCSSUPER RUGBYTABLE

EURFC MEN’S SQUAD 2022/23

NIALL ARMSTRONG Scrum Half

ARCHIE ALEXANDER Prop Scrum Half

ELLIS BALDRY Hooker

JOSH BARTON Fly Half

HARVEY BECKERLEG Fly Half

KOFI BARTON-BYFIELD Wing

MAX BLISS Fullback

TIRION BOWEN Second Row

LUKE BRALSFORD Backrow

SCOTT BUTTERWORTH Hooker

OLI BURROWS Hooker Scrum Half

TOM CAIRNS Scrum Half

WILL BECCONSALL Scrum Half

JOSH CUNNINGHAM Second Row

MAX COURTIS Centre

WILL DE BOEHMLER Backrow

GEORGE DAVIS Wing

LUCAS DORRELL Backrow

MILO HALLAM Second Row

JONNY SEARLE Wing

BEN HAMMERSLEY Fullback

CHRIS FREEMAN Prop HARVEY DUNN Hooker

HARVEY GRAHAM Fly Half

KIAN GENTRY Centre

ROB GORDON Backrow

MATT COOK Second Row

HUGO ELLERBY Fullback

TOM HARRIS Prop

MATTHEW JOHNSTONE Scrum Half

DAN JOHN Centre

BENJY JOSELAND Wing

ED HOLROYD Hooker

SAM HIGGINSON Backrow

ORSON JAMES Scrum Half

HUGO HUGHES Centre

DAFYDD JENKINS Second Row

ARCHIE HILL Centre

CONOR MANZI Second Row

OLLIE LEATHERBARROW Backrow

TODD MUIL Second Row

CHARLIE MCCAIG Centre

JAKE MURRAY Scrum Half

ARTHUR THOMAS Second Row

ARCHIE ROLLS Prop ED THOMAS Fullback

DYLAN POWER Centre ARCHIE OWLETT Prop

CHESTER RIBBONS Centre

GEORGE PREST Wing TOM ROBERTS Wing

RONAN KELLY Backrow

JACK PARK Fly Half

JOSH THORNE Backrow

JARED WILLIAMS Prop

CHARLIE TURNER Wing

TOM TRIBE Wing

SAM WALKER Fly Half

ROSS VINTCENT Backrow

OLIVER WEBB Hooker

CHRIST TSHIUNZA Second Row

AUPRESIDENT’S

Good evening and welcome to Sandy Park for what are sure to be two fantastic

with 4000 students packed into Sandy Park cheering on the side against Loughborough and how much that roar

OFFICIALTAPESUPPLIER OFEURFC

EURFC STAFF 2022/23

KEITH FLEMING Director of Rugby RICH HODGES Head Coach Head of Women’s Rugby

NIC SESTARET Coach HAYDN THOMAS Coach

GARETH ELLIOTT Coach LES BARROW Lead S&C

JACK PERRY S&C Coach

BRAD PERRETT Head Analyst

ADAM DAVIS Physio

SHANE O’HANRAHAN Physio

RALPH RUTHERFORD S&C Coach

KOFICARVINGUP FOREURFC

With ten tries already this season, Kofi Barton-Byfield has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous finishers in BUCS Super Rugby,

Still in his second year at university, the diminutive winger has made a name for himself with his electrifying pace and ability to beat the first defender.

Heading into this evening’s encounter, the wing took the time to reflect on his debut season last year, that saw him score four tries before a toe injury curtailed his season.

Reflecting on his first Varsity, BartonByfield smiled when recounting his first try at Sandy Park.

“Varsitymeansalottome.Myfirsttry againstCardiffMetasafresherwas immense.Itwasstilloneofmyfirst gamesforthefirstteam,sotodothat andtocelebratewiththeboysandthe crowdwasprettycool.”

Last time out, EURFC suffered a defeat at Sandy Park and Barton-Byfield feels that it’s a result that his side let slip away.

“Itwasatoughresulttotake.Ithinkthatif wewereslightlymoreclinical,itcould haveswungtheotherway.Forme,Ineed tokeepdoingwhatI’mdoingandget moreinvolvedontheball.”

Playing at Sandy Park is a unique experience for all involved. Heading into

this evening’s clash, Barton-Byfield was quick to highlight the noise and support that his side receive whenever they run out onto the field.

“There’snothingelselikeit.Havingthat hugecrowdmakesallthedifference.For theoppositioncomingdown,itmustbe horrible.Thesoundisdeafening,especially onthewing.Ican’thearwhatanyoneis saying,it’sjustsoloud!”

With ten tries already this season in BUCS Super Rugby and fourteen in his career thus far, Barton-Byfield is already second on the EURFC all-time try scoring list.

The winger laughed when admitting that he has his eyes set on Arthur Relton’s record,

“Iwanttotryandupthenumber!Iwantto pushfortheEURFCrecordandtogetit thisseasonwouldbegreat.I’mnotsure thatReltswouldbetoohappywithme,but I’lltrymybesttogetit!”

In what has been an unpredictable season so far, Barton-Byfield still feels that the standard of play in the league isn’t fully appreciated by those outside of the game. Tonight, will be a chance to prove that standard again.

“Peopleoutsideofunirugbyreally underestimateit.Thequalityisthere,and youseethatfromthenumberofboysthat havegoneintotheprofessionalgame aftergraduatingandthosethathave playedthatlevelwhilstatuniaswell.”

TODAY’S OPPONENTS NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY

Today’s visitors have shown that they are more than up to the task in BUCS Super Rugby.

Last weekend’s dominant victory over Cardiff Met has kept them firmly in the hunt for the play-offs come the end of the season, as Nottingham continue to showcase their attacking ability.

The meeting between these two sides up at Nottingham saw the hosts race out into an early lead, before EURFC pulled them back to secure a 46-41 victory in a BUCS Super Rugby epic!

Led by the towering presence of captain James Cherry, Nottingham have shown that they can beat any side on their day, with a famous victory over Loughborough to start the Term 2 run-in.

TWOTOWATCH

JAMESCHERRY NUMBER8

HENRYMORTIMER SCRUMHALF

LASTTIME OUT

The prospect of a revenge victory over Cardiff was short lived at Llanrumney Playing Fields.

The game got off to a rapid start, with both teams eager to prove a point. It wasn’t long before Benjy Joseland broke from the line and with a pass to Josh Barton, it was Archie Hill who went over the important line.

The home side kept possession of the ball, and they were soon in Exeter’s’22, eager for a try. Unfortunately for Exeter, it was Cardiff who used the penalty advantage in their favour, with a try on the left wing. The Exeter side swiftly responded, and a dynamic line out led the boys to a try off the maul, scored by Oli Burrows. With the score at 7-12 only 20 minutes in, it was clear this game was going to be a tight one. Exeter’s excellent play just kept continuing, as Ross Vincent drove the ball down the field, and over the line.

Ben Hammersley was secure under the high ball, and made multiple carries throughout the match, making metres down the pitch. In the last minute of the tense first half, Cardiff identified a gap in Exeter’s defence and broke through for a try.

In the second half, Cardiff had the advantage early on, as they crossed for another try. Cardiff’s momentum continued as Exeter gifted the hosts a

shot at goal which they duly took.

Exeter need a response and they found it thanks to Max Courtis, with Josh Barton’s conversion edging his side back in front. They continued to up the tempo, with work in the ruck by Lucas Dorrell and Ollie Leatherbarrow turning over the possession and allowing Kofi BartonByfield to scamper over. Josh Barton’s kicks kept delivering and it wasn’t long before Exeter had an 8-point advantage over the home side.

Although, the game was in Exeter’s favour, a late try from the opposition brought the score to 29-31.

With two minutes left on the clock, the pressure was on, with Dorrell spending the final minutes of the match in the bin. There was to be late heartbreak though for EURFC, after a successful last minute penalty from Cardiff snatched a dramatic victory.

NEXTUPAT HOMEIN

BUCSSUPERRUGBY

EURFC vs SWANSEA

1 MARCH 2023

KICK-OFF: 14:00

AWAYFROM THECLUB

Imagine being 20 and 21 years old and representing your national team. For many aspiring young rugby players this is a dream, but for Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins this is a reality.

The two young Welshman have been exceeding expectations at Exeter Chiefs this season and their efforts have paid off after a call-up to the Welsh squad. This weekend both young talents started in the Welsh line up against Scotland at Murrayfield.

These promising Exeter youngsters were given an opportunity to display some excellent rugby alongside some of the Welsh greats, and despite the result for Wales, both players stepped up to the challenge.

Looking at the stats after the game, it is evident that both men excelled in defence, with Jenkins leading the way with a 100% tackle success.

Scotland were the stronger team at the weekend, and in the press conference, Gatland highlighted the talent of the uprising stars:

“I thought Dafydd Jenkins was good, I thought Christ Tshiunza had some good carries. That was really positive from the input of those guys. In terms of their performance, I was really pleased with them.”

Head Wales Coach Warren Gatland, when discussing the changes to his starting line-up, stated that he was ‘looking ahead to the future’ when choosing Jenkins and Tshiunza in his starting XV.

With Jenkins replacing former captain and Lions player Alun Wyn Jones, all eyes were on him for this weekend. Tshiunza came in at flanker, with three previous caps for his country.

Although Wales had a tough loss to Scotland at the weekend, it was clear that the Exeter boys stepped up and made the EURFC proud, and who knows what could be next for these two promising rugby players!

NEVERMISS AMOMENT

#BlEEDGREEN

EURFCPREPARE FORPLAY-OFF CHARGE

At the start of last season, EURFC Women faced a tough challenge.

Following relegation from the Women’s National League, ambitions were set high with an immediate bounce-back expected.

When the end of the season rolled around, any doubts were long since squashed following a 36-5 victory over Cardiff. An unbeaten season for not only the 1st team, but also the club put Exeter right back on the map, and the place to be for women’s rugby.

Coming into this season, expectations from the Head Coach, and Exeter Chiefs captain, Poppy Leitch were to see her side prove themselves back up the top table. The team wanted to put a stamp on the league and boy have they done that this season.

victory over Durham on the Rubber Crumb, before a daunting trip to last season’s cup champions Hartpury.

A tight first half was edged by Exeter thanks to a late Jodi Palmer try, and then things exploded in the second half. Tries from Katrina Hayes, Lottie Dadds, Naomi Brenann and a second from Palmer saw Exeter to a comfortable victory that sparked scenes of jubilation.

That win made the rest of the league sit up and take notice. Despite a defeat to a very strong Edinburgh side the following week, things got back on track quickly with another winning streak.

This time a comeback win against Cardiff Met, backed up by completing the double over Loughborough set the side on their way.

The league season started on a slight down note as a narrow loss in Cardiff Met stunted momentum. However, for a first game back at this level, the squad were able to take comfort from their fightback, only denied by a late try from the Welsh side.

This defeat sparked a response from the squad as they went on to win their next three games. The first was a dramatic last-minute winner away Loughborough, as Abby Woollet knocked over a conversion to steal the win in the Midlands.

The following week saw a comfortable

A late victory over Durham put the side firmly in the hunt, before they came up short at home against Hartpury. With a final round fixture this afternoon against Edinburgh, EURFC know that they can mix it with anyone, heading into the play-offs.

NATIONAL2 ROUNDUP

National League 2 West is a tough league for any side. After being promoted last season EURFC had a tough challenge on their hands balancing the BUCS Super Rugby title hopes as well as pushing the boat out and testing the water in a tough Saturday league.

EURFC sat mid table as they came into the new year and immediately, they faced the old foe in Loughborough. Exeter got a statement win early in the season against the African violets away and in this return game played at Millfield school it was a tight affair. Exeter managed to scrape the

home once again stinging the Hornets with a notable last minute try from backrow Will De Boehmler.

However, EURFC latest form in National league 2 West hasn’t been what they’d hoped for. Despite a high scoring second half against Old Redcliffians at home, it wasn’t to be as they fell ten points short.

Last weekend Exeter made the journey down to Redruth and despite an early victory against the Cornish side in round two; it was the hosts this time around that edged the win despite Exeter showing some grit in the final ten with Rob Gordon getting a late try.

win by just 2 points with a late try from scrum half Orson James securing the victory giving them a massive result to start off 2023.

Exeter backed this result up the following week as they made the journey to the West Midlands and faced Stourbridge where they put on an impressive attacking display earning a bonus point win putting over fifty points past the hosts.

As the BUCS Super Rugby season restarted however, the momentum garnered in National league 2 West in those two opening games of the year came to an unfortunate end as Exeter hosted a dominant Clifton side at Topsham. Clifton handed EURFC their first defeat earlier in the season and unfortunately the result this time came to a similar outcome.

Exeter responded the following week at

EURFC currently sit 6th in their debut season of National League 2 West and with eight games still left in the season they’ll be sure to keep pushing up the table.

The goal will surely be to make sure they finish above Loughborough in the table, however with a place in the top four in their sights, this could still be a hugely successful first season at this level for EURFC.

TODAY’STEAMS V

REFEREE: NATHAN HOWARTH

ASSISTANT REFEREES: TOM EVANS-JONES & ROB LOWE