University of Bath quintet help England Rugby Students to thrilling nine-try victory over France in Le Crunch

Five University of Bath students were in the starting XV as England Rugby Students beat France Universities 55-42 to record their first victory in ‘Le Crunch Universitaire’ since 2023.

Hooker Max Pearce, who co-captained the University men’s 1st XV to a BUCS Super Rugby league and cup double, wore the armband for England and led by example by scoring tries from rolling mauls at the start of each half.

Winger Austin Emens also touched down just before the interval as England rallied from 28-12 down to lead 36-28 at the end of an outstanding first half.

Fly-half Will Roue was clinical from the kicking tee, while tighthead prop Alfie Griffin and flanker Iwan Coyle excelled in the pack as England saw out an entertaining victory at Newcastle Red Bull’s Kingston Park home.

All five players had played key roles for the University during their historic campaign and started the Milk Championship final against Loughborough.

Watch Le Crunch in full:

Visit teambath.com/rugby to find out more about the student rugby programme at the University of Bath.