Flair’s only one fifth XV!

Rugby’s fifth team show some of the slickest hands around to win the league and gain promotion


Rugby Union’s ‘Flair XV’ defeated Bristol 3s on Wednesday to reign supreme in their BUCS division.

The 16-0 win saw the Flairs (also known as Exeter’s 5th team) take the Western 3A division title and win promotion to Western 2A.

A try from Haydn Parkes at the end of the first half was converted by Sam Hopkins, whose magic boot knocked over a hat-trick of penalties to seal the win.

Flair XV captain Rory Macrae said: “It’s my proudest moment at university, and a great way for us third years to sign off. Hopefully the first and second years can stay up and consolidate our victory.

“If the 1st XV are the head of the club, the Flair XV are certainly the heart.”

Tributes to the team have been flooding in. Rugby club vice-captain Will May said: “It was the culmination of a whole year of hard work and dedication from a squad of over 30 guys. On the day we wanted it more than them and that shone through in our aggression in defence and flair going forward

“It was a true 1-22 performance and a win well and truly deserved.”

Rugby social sec David Wall said: “I want to say massive thanks to the supporters club and those that came down to give Bristol a true Exeter welcome”

All pictures from Kayleigh Pearsall