Purple rain: The complete guide to DURFC’s charity rugby season opener against Nottingham

BUCS Super Rugby is back at Hollow Drift with a fresh new season ahead. The first home game of the 24/45 season for DURFC begins today at 6:30 at the old stomping ground of Hollow Drift as Durham look to write the wrongs of the week before in the 40-27 loss to Bath last week.

This game goes in aid of the charity Sport in Action Zambia Durham, a student-led committee that oversee Durham’s fundraising activities in the wider charity. At the venue there will also be a tinnies bar, food trucks, a live DJ and a smoke machine. The dress code is not mandatory, but it is asked that supporters wear purple for this game. As is always the case in DURFC’s home season opener, a very large crowd is expected and the atmosphere is likely to be one of the best all year. Freshers, I warn you, this is not one to miss ahead of your first Wednesday night out.

DUWRFC are also looking to kick off their season with a bang at Hollow Drift against Hartpury in what is a huge double header – kick off is at the earlier afternoon time of 3:30 and will provide an excellent build-up in what is set to be a massive clash in its own right.

Although things didn’t go the way of the boys in palatinate last week in Bath, a crucial bonus point picked up at the end of the game will hopefully give them confidence as they return to Hollow Drift, which has previously been a fortress for Durham as they look to build into the new season. The large pitch combined with the wet and muddy conditions of Durham compared to southern BUCS rugby teams means that Hollow Drift provides a unique challenge to visiting outfits, with Durham enjoying a considerable home advantage.

However, Durham will face a tricky Nottingham side, who have continued to improve since their promotion two years ago into the league. Durham won last year’s version of this fixture against Nottingham 33-7 at home and 30-21 away – a promising sign for the night ahead of us. Nottingham won their first game of the season 28-24 at home to Leeds Beckett and are not a team to mess with.

This is, however, a new season and nothing can be taken for granted. Just two of last year’s starting 15 will take the pitch at 6:30 tonight, back-rowers Marcus Rhodes and Jonny Smith of Collingwood and Hatfield respectively. A new and very attacking look in the backs sees Jack Vernum rise up the ranks to take the stand at fly-half, while young gun and exciting prospect Freddie Charles pairs him up at scrum-half. Two freshers also make their home BUCS debuts for the club: Sam Graham at tighthead prop and Keelan Farrell on the left wing. If Max Orange comes off of the bench tonight, he will become part of a small and special number of players to represent all five teams in the club. The full line up is detailed below.

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The Tab spoke to number eight and first-team captain Marcus Rhodes ahead of the game to learn a little more about the man who will lead Durham out tonight – it turns out he won a gold at the Chelsea flower show, likes to listen to Billy Joel before a big game and recommends prop Sam Graham as one to watch for tonight.

Images via Durham University Rugby Football Club

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