UWE Hartpury ready for rugby cup showdown

UWE Hartpury 1^st XV face their biggest game of the season so far on Wednesday 1^st February when they take on old rivals UWIC in the Last 16 of the BUCS Championship (K.O. 2.30pm).

The two universities, who have established themselves as two of the leading BUCS sides in recent years, are very familiar with each other in this competition having met in the 2007 and 2009 finals at Twickenham, with Hartpury emerging victorious on both occasions.

Their most recent meeting in the knockouts, however, went UWIC’s way as the Welshmen defeated Hartpury 21-20 in the 2010 semi-finals.

The teams have met twice in BUCS Premier League South A already this season and shared the spoils as Hartpury picked up an impressive 44-12 victory in Gloucestershire, but succumbed 27-15 in Cardiff as recently as last week.

Meanwhile, the U18 1^st XV could ensure their progression to the AASE League semi-finals with two games to spare when they host local rivals Worcester Sixth Form College in the RFU AASE League North Group at 2.15pm.

Sitting 11 points clear at the top of the table with an excellent points difference, Hartpury effectively require a single point to progress, and a win would all but guarantee top spot and a home semi-final against the runners-up of the closely-fought South Group.

All support will be greatly appreciated by both our teams in what are crucial matches in their seasons.

Follow “Hartpury College RFC” on Facebook for all the latest news from the Rugby Academy