Women’s university teams compete in Granite City Challenge

Robert Gordon’s University and Aberdeen University will go head-to-head in the 2017 Granite City Challenge women’s rugby varsity match on Kings College Pitches tomorrow, Wednesday 15 March (kick-off 12 noon). The annual varsity challenge between both universities will see teams from across a variety of sports, including men and women’s rugby, compete against one another for the overall Granite City champions title. Both women’s rugby sides have enjoyed fruitful seasons so far and for RGU, they have experienced a successful first year playing in BUCS (British University & College Sport), with over 30 girls involved in winning the league at their first attempt.RGU Vice President, Emily Clough, said: “It has been an amazing experience, having had a great first season in the BUCS league and finishing top after recently overcoming Edinburgh Napier.”Prior to the 2015/2016 season, RGU did not have a women’s rugby team and our captain, Emma Black, was a crucial influence due to her experience of captaining Dundee university previously.Since formation in 2015, the team have consistently developed, growing in size, ability and performance. The close team spirit has been a huge influence on many of our girls, as in our recent player profiles an outstanding number of players highlighted the team spirit and friendship both on and off the pitch, as being their highlight of playing rugby with RGU.”The varsity match will be an excellent challenge for the RGU girls and a great way to round off the 2016/17 season. The girls are hyped from the success in the league and look forward to the extra push that competing against Aberdeen University will give us.”Aberdeen University have also experienced thriving numbers, with the club boasting over 50 registered girls and over 30 combining for 1st XV and development teams. Aberdeen University second row, Emily Allen, said: “Throughout the season, we have definitely experienced our share of highs and lows but the last BUCS match against Dundee was great, the attitude and atmosphere was really positive even when the final result didn’t go our way.”Loads of new girls have joined us this season, so much so we now have a development squad and are planning to set up a 2nd XV next season.There will be a buzz throughout all of the sports teams on varsity day, and everyone’s really excited to go out and play our best. My university experience wouldn’t have been the same without my rugby teammates and I’m really looking forward to ending my season on a high with a group of people I call my second family.” 2017 Granite City Challenge Women’s Varsity Match: Robert Gordon’s University v Aberdeen University, Kings College Pitches, Wednesday 15 March, 12 noon.