Posted 17th Oct 2023

University of Bath name strong squad for Anniversary Game at The Rec

The University of Bath have named a strong match-day squad for their biggest match of the BUCS Super Rugby season – the 2023 Anniversary Game at The Rec.

Nearly 6,000 fans have already got their free tickets for the eagerly-anticipated match against Cardiff Met (6.30pm), sponsored by Colour Studios and Dragon Signs.

Seven of the home match-day squad experienced the Anniversary Game last year, including co-captain Ludo Kolade, hooker Jasper Spandler and second-row Mackenzie Graham who all scored tries in the memorable 40-13 win over Durham.

Props Scott Kirk and Archie Stanley, scrum-half Elis Horgan and winger Byron Lloyd-Gilmour are also looking to be on the winning team for a second successive year.

Nine of the starting XV combine their studies at the University of Bath with playing for Bath Rugby Academy, including seven members of the pack.

Bath are hoping to make the most of home advantage as they seek their first win of the season, while Varsity rivals Cardiff Met arrive with a 100 per cent record having won their three opening matches.

Tonight’s team news

University of Bath starting XV: 1 Scott Kirk, 2 Jasper Spandler, 3 Billy Sela, 4 Mackenzie Graham, 5 Josh Dingley, 6 Jack Bennett, 7 Tom Cowan (cc), 8 Ted Johnson; 9 Elis Horgan, 10 Iwan Price-Thomas, 11 Byron Lloyd-Gilmour, 12 Ludo Kolade (cc), 13 James Short, 14 Oli Sedgwick, 15 Austin Emens. Replacements: 16 Max Pearce, 17 Archie Stanley, 18 Zak Giannini, 19 Will Jeanes, 20 Eddie Erskine, 21 Evan Jones, 22 Ieuan Davies, 23 Raff Weston.

Cardiff Met starting XV: 1 Joe Cowell, 2 Evan Wood, 3 Conall Couch, 4 Brandon Harvey, 5 Barnaby Waddell, 6 Evan Sheldon, 7 Ewan Guy (c), 8 Bertie Taylor; 9 Rory Morgan, 10 Sam Berry, 11 Joshuah Carrington, 12 Gus Patterson, 13 Steff Crimp, 14 Toby Baldwin, 15 Steff Davies. Replacements: 16 Connor Chapman, 17 Ben Murphy, 18 Liam Newstead, 19 Gethyn Cannon, 20 Josh Hart, 21 Keian Richards, 22 Ross McKay, 23 Sam Trodd.

Referee: Neil Sweeney.
Assistant referees: Dan Evans, Dave Philpott.

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