Varsity Hooker Withdrawn As Twickenham Looms

With just days until Varsity, the Blues have been forced to make a last-minute change due to the ineligibility of hooker Nigel Conroy. 

The Tab can reveal that Conroy was forced to withdraw as he is not a full member of the University. Conroy was on a part-time course run by the Institute of Continuing Education, which doesn’t stipulate matriculation.

This meant that Conroy fell foul of the eligibility requirements set out by the Joint Blues Committee.

A statement released by Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club said: “Nigel Conroy is studying on a relatively new course run by the Institute of Continuing Education, and consequently he has been available to play for the Blues all season.

“However, two weeks ago Nigel himself became aware of a possible technical obstacle to his eligibility for the Varsity Match.”

The club stressed that once the situation was flagged, they tried everything possible to resolve the situation. But with no decision being reached by last Thursday’s selection day, they decided to select Conroy despite the continued uncertainity.

CURUFC President Mark Bailey said: “The course is relatively new, and so some novel elements have been raised by this case. For example, it was not initially clear if the absence of a requirement to matriculate is actually a barrier to matriculation.”

In an official statement CURUFC said: “As soon as it was established that his University course does not fulfil all of the strict eligibility criteria for the Varsity Match itself, he was withdrawn.”

Conroy’s removal means that replacement hooker Mark Murdoch will step into the front row for the big day.

Murdoch told The Tab: “I’ve been playing with Stuart Brown and Will Briggs all season, so I’m familiar with all the calls and patterns, and we’ve been working hard on our scrummaging all week. We’re ready for whatever they throw at us.

“I just want to commiserate Nigel. He’s a great guy and had worked so hard to make the side

“But I can’t wait for the opportunity to run out at Twickenham – really excited for Thursday.”

Conroy’s withdrawal will undoubtedly have unsettled the side as they go into their final preparations, as it was hoped that Conroy could bring his much needed experience to the front three.