St George’s men’s rugby named runners-up in nationwide awards

Published: 18 June 2024

The St George’s men’s rugby team were named runners-up in the Outstanding Club category at the England Rugby Universities awards last month.

We spoke to scrum-half and President, Liam Barratt, number eight and former captain of the first XV (or first team), Owen Holland, and flanker and former co-President, George Bardell, about this fantastic achievement.

How did you react upon finding out St George’s rugby had been shortlisted/nominated?

When we found out that the club had been nominated for an award, it was initially a huge surprise. The calibre and size of the other universities who has also been shortlisted made us feel like a small fish in a very large pond. However, once we reflected on the year, it started to become clear why we had been shortlisted. The playing success with the first XV being promoted and reaching two semi-finals in the United Hospitals (UH) Cup and the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) Cup, alongside the second XV finishing third in their league and also reaching two semi-finals.

We also made it a big priority this season to support our members both on and off the pitch. With the success of campaigns such as Movember, and Sip'n'share we have given not just the players in the rugby team, but people throughout the whole university a number of platforms to seek support, and a safe space to discuss anything important to them.

What makes rugby at St George’s so special?

Rugby at St George's is special in so many different ways. As I have mentioned before, it is not just the success we strive for on the pitch, but also the support we aim to provide off the pitch. We strive to be an open club who accepts anyone, regardless of playing ability, everyone is welcome to become a member and be involved with the club in whatever capacity we can provide. We also pride ourselves on the academic support we provide our members, through the peer led Clinical Competency Assessment (CCA) revision and sharing of revision resources we aim to support all of our members through their time at university.

How do you reflect on the season just gone and what are the first XV’s aspirations for next season’s campaign?

Our season just gone was full of success, as I have mentioned we achieved amazing things on the pitch, we also recruited well over Freshers' and achieved between 30-40 players at most of our training sessions with two full teams playing nearly every Wednesday throughout the season. The first XV has been promoted so our aspirations are to succeed within the league we have gone in to. We are also aiming for another successful cup run in UH and BUCS and hope to go one step further in reaching a final and hopefully claiming some well-deserved silverware.

What would be your message to anyone considering joining rugby at St George’s?

I think the main message we would share to anyone considering joining the rugby team at St George's is that it is not just a sports team. It is a family who support one another on and off the field, and it will lead to you making friends for life. If you are unsure, please come and speak to us at Fresher's Fayre, or come along to a training session, there is space for everyone in our club and our door is always open.

Find out more about men’s rugby at St George’s.