“It’s now their time to shine.” - Edwards looks forward to Varsity showdown vs Worcester

When a fresher first joins University of Gloucestershire’s Rugby club, they’re made aware by Director of Rugby Chris Downes that nothing is set in stone. If you are good enough and work hard enough then you can work your way up to the first term. This is exactly what back row Henry Edwards managed to achieve.

Edwards, who is in his 2nd year at UOG is currently preparing for his second varsity game in as many years. The Varsity squad have been enduring an intense six week training camp in the buildup to April 10th with four sessions a week as well as being put on a strict drinking ban. The Welshman is confident that this dedication will bring success against Worcester.

“There has been massive progression, especially from boys that have been sitting in the 2’s and boys that have been sitting on the bench all season who have not really had much of a chance.

“It’s now their time to shine, their skills have gone through the roof which is the same as mine as my fitness has gone through the roof, my reading of the game has improved and playing with boys of a high standard is all just progressing everyone as a whole as well as individuals.”

UOG’s rugby team have had one of their best years in recent times after finishing top of Western 1A to become league champions.

“It’s a massive achievement, it’s not just about varsity, winning that is great but it is just one game. Winning a whole season shows we’ve consecutively been the best team in our league over time and constantly been to a decent standard throughout the year.

“Personally, a highlight for me was beating Cardiff away, being a Cardiff boy myself. We beat Cardiff last year and there were two or three of my mates playing in that game, same this year and we completely dominated them and for myself that was a big thing.” said Edwards.

Edwards and the Varsity squad will be going for their fourth varsity win in a row after beating 34-7 at Sixways. This will be Edwards’ second varsity match but didn’t take the conventional route there last year.

“Lat year I joined Rugby late, I started in the 3’s and then progressed up to the 1’s so I was a bit iffy and wasn’t the most confident person in my first year.

“But coming into my second year and knowing everyone by name and everyone outside when socialising just brings the team and club much closer. It also gives me confidence in myself to just progress myself and put myself out there to the team and I’m a much bigger part of the team which has helped me with my game.”

Images by Dan Hill Photography. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @danhillphotography1

#Gloucester #universityofgloucestershire #varisty #worcester #ratehrbeacheese #4inarow