There is the potential for a 9-10-12 axis turning out for England Students against France Universities in a few weeks’ time, with Will Yarnell, Josh Barton and Tom Hitchcock all named in the 23-man squad.

Whilst attention is still very much on the BUCS Championship final at Sixways on Wednesday, all three will be keen to stake a claim for a starting jersey within the England Students side.

For scrumhalf Yarnell, selection in the side fulfils a long-held aspiration, as he looks to end his time at university on a high.

“Being selected for England students is a huge honour. It’s something that’s always been at the back of my mind throughout the season, pushing me on to perform each week. So, it’s nice to see those efforts rewarded,” he explained.

Yarnell has been at Exeter since 2018 and after with 34 BUCS Super Rugby appearances and 11 tries under his belt for EURFC, he spoke openly of how he remembered seeing several of his former teammates named in previous squads.

“I remember being in my fresh year seeing older boys like Paul Schroter, Jack Rouse and Josh Pieterse get called up for it, so it’s great to follow in their footsteps and experience what they experienced a few years ago.”

Flyhalf Barton has been an exciting presence within the university setup since he arrived as a fresher, with his ability to play on the front foot and spot a gap, setting him apart from many other university flyhalves.

It is that speed of thought and ability to seize control of a game that has given him an extra dynamic to his game. It is also something that he will be hoping to showcase in an England Students jersey.

“It feels amazing to get selected. There’s a lot of great players in there, so to be involved in that is going to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to play some good rugby.”

Centre Hitchcock is now able to cap an unbelievable final year at university with an England Students call-up. This season has seen the centre become a key lynchpin of EURFC’s BUCS Super Rugby side, as they reached their first final since 2017.

His abilities have also not gone unnoticed in the professional game, with Exeter Chiefs giving him his professional debut in the recent Premiership Cup clash with Worcester Warriors.

“I’m extremely proud and excited to be selected for England students. It’s another great opportunity to improve as a player but also to make some great memories with a very talented group of players,” smiled Hitchcock.

The centre though, is refusing to get ahead of himself, with focus still on the BUCS Championship final. Hitchcock believes that preparation is going well, as the excitement begins to build.

“It’s a huge honour but all focus still remains on the final next Wednesday against Durham. Preparation has gone really well this week and we’re all feeling fresh, so are very excited for the game.”

Finally, for Yarnell, the opportunity to travel up north and play with two of his university teammates one last time was also something that he was looking forward to.

“I think what’s made the selection more special is that I’ve been picked alongside Josh and Hitch. It’ll be nice to go up to Newcastle with a strong Exeter contingent. However, we’ve still got the cup to fight for first, so my mind is 100% still on winning the BUCS championship.”

Congratulations to Will, Josh and Tom on their inclusions in the squad. We’re sure that they will do themselves and the club proud.