Varsity: The Stars of Tomorrow

Game day is tomorrow and here The Tab brings you the biggest names in this year’s varsity.

Name: Rob Coote

Age: 20

Course: Maths and Engineering

Rugby achievements: England Students, Southwest 18s, Exeter Chiefs (LV cup, A-league, JP Morgan 7s, Middlesex 7s)

Flair rating: 6.9

Secret Talent: Cooking a World beating Steak

Favourite Drink: Piña Colada

Timepiece or Mosaic: Friday night Arena (great answer)

Favourite thing about Varsity: The Atmosphere and Support

Score prediction: 29-12

Best thing about EURFC: Winning on match days, then celebrating with the Boys.

Verdict:  A second year scrum half who’s already accomplished a lot having made his England Student’s debut a few weeks ago. A prominent member of the Exeter Chiefs Academy, he’s definitely a key player and one to watch.

 

Name: Michael Jeffrey Byron Pope

Age: 22

Course: Sport and Exercise Science

Rugby achievements: England Students, Exeter Chiefs ‘A’/LV/JP Morgan

Flair rating: 9.5

Secret Talent: Drums

Favourite Drink: Chocolate Milkshake

Timepiece or Mosaic: TP

Favourite thing about Varsity: Beating Bath in front of the home crowd.

Score prediction: 35-15

Best thing about EURFC: Keith Fleming

Verdict: Backs himself in this interview, although being one of the most experienced members of the EURFC, that’s probably fair enough. Another to make the England Students side, and having put in a great shift in last year’s varsity, his experience will definitely be key on Wednesday night.

 

Name: Richard Sinel

Age: 20

Course: Maths and Economics

Rugby achievements: Exeter Chiefs Academy and A league

Flair rating: 5.4

Secret Talent: Useless Trivia

Favourite thing about Varsity: Bottom left corner of Sandy Park (next to main stand)

Score prediction: 28-12 to EURFC

Best thing about EURFC: Banter and game days

Verdict: Has dealt with the mantle of being a captain in only his second year tremendously well, with EURFC winning 8 out 11 so far this season. Scored the only try in last year’s varsity, a great effort wide out on the left.  Wednesday will be a big test for the young captain but I’m backing him to pull it out the bag.

 

Name: Fraser Gillies

Age: 20

Course: English

Rugby achievements: Scotland under 17 captain. Scottish School’s Cup winner 2010. Racing Metro 92 academy.

Flair rating: medium rare

Secret Talent: Blowing my own trumpet (to grade five level).

Favourite Drink: Safebite

Timepiece or Mosaic: silly question

Favourite thing about Varsity: Ticket selling

Verdict: Playing ten as a second year is undoubtedly a big responsibility, but Fraser has certainly not let the side down to date. A stint in Racing Metro 92’s academy should have leant him some French flair which will be vital at Sandy Park.