International Honours for EURFC Players
It was a big international weekend for current and former EURFC and EUWRFC players, with four players in international action.
With thee first XV players representing their respective nations this weekend, it has been a proud occasion for all those involved in EURFC. With former EUWRFC player Amber Reed also playing for the Red Roses, it means four current or former Exeter University rugby players have worn international colours this weekend.
Friday night saw scrum-half Sam Maunder lead his England U20s side containing EURFC teammate Richard Capstick, in their first home game of the U20 6 Nations Championship against Ireland at Franklins Gardens. This was a third consecutive start for both men with Maunder continuing as captain, as the only two unbeaten sides left in the competition went head to head. Sadly for England, Ireland’s clinical performance proved too much, the visitors securing a 39-21 victory to open up a six point cushion between themselves and England in first and second positions, securing the U20s Triple Crown in the process following opening victories over Scotland and Wales. England will be looking for a positive response in their next match, against Wales at Kingsholm on 6th March, with the match now crucial if England are to stay in contention for the championship.
Saturday saw second row Lasha Jaiani make his senior debut for Georgia, in a 78-6 drubbing of Belgium in Kutaisi. It was a proud moment for the forward as he became just the seventh full international to have represented EURFC, following on from Sam Skinner, David Sole, Richard Hill, John Scott, Jeff Squire and Justin Blanchet. Jaiani performed with the same calmness and perseverance that has seen him become such an integral part of the EURFC 1st team in what was a dominant Georgian performance that cemented them at the top of the Rugby Europe Championship, after opening victories over Romania and Spain. At just 21 years of age, this should be the first of many international caps for Jaiani, with the achievement made all the more impressive considering he is still studying in his fourth year at university.
Sunday afternoon saw EUWRFC alumni Amber Reed start at inside-centre, winning her 56th cap in a dominant 27-0 bonus-point victory over Ireland in front of a sell-out crowd in Doncaster as England remained on course for another Grand Slam in the Women’s 6 Nations and ended Ireland’s hopes in the process. The result extended their unbeaten home record to 18 games, with the Red Roses returning to action in two weeks’ time against Wales at the Twickenham Stoop, as they look to secure the Triple Crown in front of another bumper crowd.