More matches and more players in 2024/25!
Written by Callum O’Shea
With 12 teams playing across a single division in 2024-25, the league continues to thrive and offers opportunities for experienced players and beginners alike, with much opportunity ahead for the growth of rugby in conjunction with the new pitch development at Grange Road.
This year, a total of exactly 100 games were completed in the College Rugby programme, culminating in the Cuppers Final, an increase from 82 in 2023-24. Considering the challenges that exist with running a recreationally competitive rugby programme, the growth of the programme is a huge achievement. The league provides recreationally competitive rugby for nearly 300 players.
In addition, team captains, players, student referees and coaches were supported by development opportunities including an introduction to refereeing course, and a first aid in rugby course, while teams also competed in a Social Sevens tournament to kick off the academic year.
Thanks to colleagues Tom Stokes and Tom Rawlings, the league was well organised and Captains well supported throughout the year. Thanks also to Max McKinlay (Trinity), whose efforts on the ground in supporting teams and players, refereeing fixtures and promoting the good word of rugby throughout the student body were of huge value for the programme development.
Pirton/Churchill celebrated the league title this year, seeing off all challengers as they built on a brilliant year in 2023-24.
Not only that, Pirton/Churchill were shortlisted for the College Team of the Year award at the annual Sports Awards. As well as their on-pitch achievements, they were awarded the Fair Play award by Cambridge University and District Rugby Referee Society, as the college rugby team which most promotes a sporting attitude within student rugby and secures respect, support and appreciation for referees and laws of the game.
In the annual Cuppers competition, after bitter disappointment in missing out last year, St John’s College are champions once again with a dominant display throughout the rounds.
A ferocious contest with St Catharine’s/Homerton saw John’s take an early lead in the final, and their strength in depth saw them grow throughout the match, having also grown over the course of the season. They were worthy champions, and the match was a great advert for Cambridge Sport.
Well done to St Catharine’s/Homerton, who have been Cuppers runners up two years running – a great achievement.
In the Plate Final, last year’s Cuppers champions, Jesus College, took on this year’s league champions, Pirton/Churchill.
It was a tough start for Jesus, who only had 14 players. Despite being on the back foot, Jesus put in a fantastic performance with a threadbare squad, which saw them run in the tries and keep a strong Pirton/Churchill side at bay. Both teams will be looking to go a step further and take the Cuppers title in 2026!
In the ‘repechage’ finals, under the lights at Grange Road, a fast start saw Robinson/Selwyn take an early lead in the Bowl Final and hold on throughout against a spirited Fitzwilliam/Sidney/Emmanuel side, while a tight contest in the Boot Final saw runners up Queens’/Magdalene show off a magnificent new kit, but Trinity/Christ’s did enough to secure the trophy on the day.
An even bigger season awaits us next year! Want to get involved? Contact us on collegesport@sport.cam.ac.uk.