University of Bath rugby duo enjoy “absolute privilege” of representing England Students in 13-try Le Crunch classic against France
University of Bath Rugby Club duo Will Jeanes and Iwan Price-Thomas both started for England Students in their annual fixture against France Universities.
Second-row forward Jeanes, who studies Sports Performance, and full-back Price-Thomas, who graduates in Sport Management & Coaching this summer, played their part in a thrilling 13-try contest at Coventry RFC that more than lived up to its Le Crunch title.
France eventually came out on top 48-43 thanks to a last-gasp try but Jeanes was glad to have represented his country in such a high-quality match.
“It was an absolute privilege to put on the shirt,” he told the Talking Rugby Union website. “Representing your country is a massive thing and it was awesome to do that. I thought BUCS Super Rugby had fast ball in play and physicality but this was just another level which is a great experience to have had.”
Both Jeanes and Price-Thomas earned their selections after impressing for the University men’s 1st XV in the national BUCS Super Rugby competition this season. Previous Bath players to have represented England Students in recent years include Bath Rugby hooker Tom Dunn and Harlequins Premiership-title winner Jack Kenningham.
Price-Thomas and Jeanes were the latest current University of Bath students to earn international call-ups this season. Archie Griffin, Jenny Hesketh and Mollie Wilkinson all made their senior Wales debuts in the Guinness Six Nations; Max Ojomoh played for England A; Austin Emens earned a first GB Rugby Sevens call-up; and there were U20 Six Nations appearances for Scott Kirk and Billy Sela (England), Ludo Kolade and Murdoch Lock (Scotland), and Ieuan Davies and Louis Hennessey (Wales).
Jeanes and Kirk have this week renewed their Senior Academy contracts at Bath Rugby, along with fellow University of Bath students Mackenzie Graham and Harvey Cuckson.
Visit teambath.com/rugby to find out more about combining study and rugby at the University of Bath.
