Swansea University RFC

This year’s crop of Fresher’s certainly isn’t lacking in talent nor unfortunately arrogance, as a team there is a good balance between hard working forwards and lethal finishing in the backs. With the core squad having played together throughout the season and those Fresher’s that played for the 2nd or 3rd XV supplementing the line-up hopefully a very strong team can be fielded. Some particular mentions must be made the first of which must go to Griff Harding who has been an invaluable asset throughout the season, taking the backs under his wing he has managed to forge our backline into an offensively and defensively potent force. Gareth Beer’s involvement must also not be overlooked as he has helped to provide some truly gruelling but also educational strength and conditioning sessions including a particularly vile dunes session at Three Cliffs. With regards to Varsity preparation the additional “camp” that was put on for players has certainly been a success with training twice a day, the ability to work closely with the 1st XV including contact drills and even the occasional bit of analysis from Shaun Holley has really injected a professional attitude into the team. Despite two warm up games being called off preparation could not have gone much better and come Varsity time, win or lose, there can be no excuses from the set of players that have been brought together for this game.

Player Mentions
Captain - Jack Perkins- Throughout this season Jack has seemed to lack any form of self-preservation instinct on the field, that sort of unfaltering commitment to his team mates has earned the respect of the squad and this lead by example attitude will serve him well come Varsity Kick Off
Forwards – Liam Neil – appearing out of nowhere half way through the season Liam managed to make quite an impression at number 8 with his extremely physical approach to the contact area. He also seems to have quite a nose for the goal line scoring in almost every game that he has been involved in.
Backs - Jack Shields – possessing one of the most accurate boots in the rugby club is a good place to start for any back but when combined with Jacks ability to distribute the ball accurately and break the line at ease if given space has led to shields being a lynch pin In the backline.