Edinburgh and St Andrews rekindle varsity match

Edinburgh University and the University of St Andrews will meet in a specially-arranged match in London tonight as one of the oldest rivalries in rugby is renewed.

The unique match at London Scottish’s Richmond Athletic Ground kicks-off at 8pm and it is hoped that many alumni of both universities will attend and create a great atmosphere with entry free. With the Scottish Varsity match dating back more than 150 years it promises to be quite an occasion with the winners picking up a new trophy. Former Scotland and British Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan will present the winning team with the silverware.

Central to the reason behind holding the match is to try to increase the awareness of university rugby in Scotland, which has suffered in recent years due to many top club players shunning the opportunity to get involved.

This term Edinburgh University are playing in the British Universities Premier B league and their development officer David Adamson said: “I think over the years players didn’t get involved with their university team because they had club commitments and thought that the standard of university rugby was low.

“However, we at Edinburgh and people elsewhere in the country have worked hard to improve the standard of the teams and this match is a great opportunity for the boys to show what they can do. It really is a great opportunity.”

James Carlton captains Edinburgh from the second-row,

David Ross, the University of St Andrews director of rugby, said: “Since I became involved with university rugby I have been impressed by the standard and there are a lot of good players at St Andrews.

“I think in the past university rugby has perhaps lacked a bit of structure but that is changing now and I am sure whoever turns out tonight to watch will be pleasantly surprised by the talent on show. We told the players about this match in pre-season and they have been looking forward to it ever since.

Edinburgh University: R Cuthbertson; J Walkinshaw, N Pflaum, C Williams, A Bryans; R Jones, JP Stitchbury; H Elwess, M Payne, O Powell, M Foster, J Carlton, W Males, C Muir, P Blazquez. Subs: C Davey, B Manning, N Aitken, P Lucas, J Morrison, W Stephen, A Davidson.

University of St Andrews: S Lang; C Flanders, D McKean, M C Silva, D Anderson; J Irvine, C Wardle; J Gordon, B Clarke, V Semogas, M Oldroyd, Winton, A Little, T Rogers, R Davidson. Subs; N Richardson, J Starkey, J May, L Stewart, R Ridley Thomas, T Nyabadza, T Gold.