Fun in the sun as University of Bath student rugby teams finally return to action for first time in 15 months
The long wait for a competitive run-out finally came to an end for the University of Bath’s men’s and women’s rugby teams when they took on Bristol University last week.
The men played two matches on campus on Friday, their first for 15 months, with the opening game – which Bath won by three tries – featuring students who will still be at university next year before those graduating this summer took to the pitch for the second match, which Bristol won by a conversion.
Head of Rugby Aaron James said: “The hot weather and intent to play and have fun meant there was some entertaining rugby on display.
“It was brilliant to finally get 56 players out on the pitch after a long wait and all of them played a minimum of 35 minutes. We played the RFU modified laws but also allowed yellow cards to be replaced to give more players game time. Thank you to Bristol for two well-contested matches.”
The University women’s team, whose links to Bath Rugby have been strengthened by the Premiership club’s recent commitment to growing and sustaining women and girls’ rugby, travelled to Bristol for their first match since March 2020 and won a brilliant contest 30-25.
