Former Newport scrum half plays for Oxford at Twickenham
Shropshire student Sam Egerton follows in the footsteps of some rugby legends tomorrow when he runs out at Twickenham to represent Oxford in the famous Varsity match with Cambridge.
Shropshire student Sam Egerton follows in the footsteps of some rugby legends tomorrow when he runs out at Twickenham to represent Oxford in the famous Varsity match with Cambridge.
Egerton, from Newport, is studying law at Oxford University but it is his sporting rather than his legal ambitions that are taking precedence right now – with a crowd of around 25,000 expected for tomorrow's 130th annual Varsity clash.
The former Newport scrum-half admits it is something of a dream that he will be playing his own part in a fixture whose former participants have included England greats Rob Andrew, Phil de Glanville and Stuart Barnes as well as ex-Scotland captain Gavin Hastings.
"This time last year I was watching the game while in Oxford for my interview and thinking that I wanted to get in just so I could play in it," he said.
"Obviously there is a lot of history and prestige in the fixture and it's an honour to play for the club.
"As a fresher after one term, I don't quite know how it's happened to me but I've just got to take it in my stride."
Oxford won last year's match 21-10 so Egerton is hoping to play his part in ensuring that their victory streak continues.
The former Adams Grammar School pupil has played in all of Oxford's fixtures this season, including on a tour of Siberia – where they were the guests of the Russian Rugby Federation.
But he admits fortune and circumstance have played their part in getting him onto the team.
"Last year's captain was a scrum-half and he's left so it was a position they needed to fill," he revealed.
"I've come along at the right time and worked hard at it.
"This is my first time playing at Twickenham and I'm going to play as though it's my last and give it all I've got.
"I will have about 10 or 12 family members coming along to support me and it should be a good day."
Egerton will also have the best wishes of his former team-mates at his home-town club.
Head coach Steve Dolphin said: "He was well thought of at Newport, both on and off the pitch.
"We have missed him this year.
"We wish him all the best. He has so much intensity as a player – he is the first on the training pitch and the last off it.
"He's got all the attributes to keep progressing during his four years at university."
