Posted 1st Nov 2020

Proud moment as University of Bath alumni Tom Dunn earns a deserved first England Rugby cap in Six Nations title decider

It was an emotional evening in Rome on Saturday as former University of Bath Rugby Club player Tom Dunn finally made his long-awaited senior England debut.

The hooker came off the bench in the closing stages of England’s 34-5 victory over Italy which, combined with France’s defeat of Ireland later that evening, secured the 2020 Guinness Six Nations title for the Roses.

A video of Dunn speaking to his family back home while proudly wearing his cap – England player number 1,417 – went viral afterwards and perfectly illustrated what playing for his country meant.

A first senior cap is just reward for Dunn, who had previously represented his country in the 2012-13 season with England Students while combining his fledgling rugby career with a Sports Performance degree at the University of Bath.

He made the switch from prop to hooker during that time too and has gone on to become a key member of Bath Rugby’s front row, with his excellent form this year earning Dunn a place on the six-person Premiership Rugby Player of the Season Award shortlist.

A member of the England training squad for the past three Six Nations and ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, Dunn was an unused replacement in the Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland in February before finally earning that first cap on Saturday.

The student rugby programme at the University of Bath has helped a host of players develop into Premiership and international players while also gaining a top-class education – find out more by clicking here.

Other news articles

A picture of University of Bath men's 1st XV player Ludo Kolade being tackled during the 2024-25 BUCS Super Rugby match at Exeter's Sandy Park. The picture was taken by BUCS Sport.
Bath pick up another valuable bonus point after playing their part in entertaining BUCS Super Rugby derby at Exeter’s Sandy Park

A strong second half at Exeter’s Sandy Park saw the University of Bath men’s 1st XV collect another important four-try bonus point in their pursuit of a BUCS Super Rugby home quarter-final. The visitors found themselves trailing 24-7 at...

Read More
A picture of University of Bath rugby player Alfie Griffin running with the ball at two Hartpury defenders.
Four-try bonus point provides consolation for much-changed Bath in BUCS Super Rugby derby defeat at Hartpury

The University of Bath men’s 1st XV left Hartpury with a hard-earned bonus point following a tough derby against their BUCS Super Rugby West Country rivals. Bath were missing several players on U20 Six Nations and Premiership Rugby Cup...

Read More
A composite graphic of University of Bath student rugby player (from left) Enoch Opoku Gyamfi, Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Billy Sela, Kepu Tuipulotu, Charlie Griffin and Jack Woods who have been selected for the 2025 U20 Six Nations
Quartet named in England match-day squad for tournament opener as University of Bath students selected for U20 Six Nations 2025

Six University of Bath students have been selected for the 2025 U20 Men's Six Nations, with four of them being named in England’s match-day 23 for the tournament’s opening fixture against Ireland. Tighthead prop Billy Sela (Sports Performance), who...

Read More
Team Bath BUCS Super Rugby Sponsors
Partners and Suppliers