News
Friday 11 April 2008
Varsity Rugby too close to call
With the Annual Charity Varsity Series now well underway, Nottingham Trent University’s Men’s and Women’s rugby squads face gruelling training schedules as they prepare to play their part in the proceedings. For the men’s squad though, help is at hand from their coach, Nottingham Rugby’s Australian number 8, Dan Montagu, affectionately known to the team as “Monty”.
The Nottingham Trent University men’s side have put in a fantastic performance this season. Promoted last year into the British University Sports Association (BUSA) Premier Division B, the team has worked tirelessly to ensure they've kept their place, finishing an incredible second to Leeds University. The University of Nottingham squad, coached by Dan Montagu’s team mate Craig Hammond, currently sit in the division above, but the game looks set to be a tight affair when it comes to the Varsity match day.
Dan Montagu said: “There’s been a lot of banter between Craig and me for the last few months as the Varsity match draws closer. The Nottingham Trent University boys have been playing really well, and if we can keep our concentration and stick to our game plan, then I’m sure this game is for the taking.”
Simon Chilcott, the men’s team captain added: “We can't wait to get out there and show the University of Nottingham what we've got. We're feeling great about the season we've had and a Varsity win would be the icing on the cake.”
With the two teams so closely matched this year, expectations are high for a memorable game. The series currently stands 5-1 in Nottingham Trent University’s favour, and with just six points still up for grabs, a double victory at Meadow Lane on the 21 April would see the lead extended beyond the reach of the current champions, the University of Nottingham.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
Proceeds from Varsity match ticket sales will go to this year’s chosen charity, the Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind (NRSB).
Kick off times -21 April at Meadow Lane:
Women’s match – 5.30pm
Men’s match – 7.30pm
The remaining fixtures for the Varsity Sports Series 2008 are:
- Rugby Union (men & women) 21 April Meadow Lane
- Hockey (men & women) 24 April Highfields (Beeston HC)
- Rugby League (men) 30 April NRFC or Meadow Lane (TBC)
- Cricket (men) TBC
Anybody wishing to find out more about any of the Varsity fixtures, including the availability of tickets, should call +44 (0)115 848 6278.
Press enquiries please contact: Matt Wallace, Press Office, on Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 8785, or via email: matthew.wallace@ntu.ac.uk; or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk
