Rugby honour for Exeter School alumna Kate

Cambridge undergraduate Kate Marks (at Exeter School 2013 - 2015) was selected to play in the 30th Women's Varsity Match at Twickenham on Thursday 8 December, winning her Rugby Blue in her first term as an undergraduate.

This was only the second time that the women's rugby match has been played at the home of England Rugby.

Nineteen-year-old Kate had the great honour of opening the game playing number 10, fly half.

Starting the game at number 10, fly half Kate saw continuous midfield action throughout the match. Her quick responses under pressure and her accurate passing to other members of the strong Cambridge team set up several opportunities to move the ball forward, and she was adept at reading the game and being in the right place at the right time.

Despite being off the field for a short time with an arm injury, Kate contributed to the Cambridge side's impressive teamwork in a vigorous and exciting contest. However, outstanding defence and tackles by Oxford's full back, Sophie Trott, prevented Cambridge getting a try. Oxford's early penalty was the only score, the overall result being Oxford 3- Cambridge 0.

BBC sports commentator and broadcaster Sara Orchard (1998-2000) covered the exciting match.

Oxford and Cambridge have now won a game each since the match moved to Twickenham, and both teams will be already looking forward to next year's contest.

Kate is also actively involved in promoting rugby as Chair of the National Youth Council, the consultative body made up of 12 young people aged 16 to 25 where her work includes advising RFU on programmes and projects affecting young people in the game.

Kate said she was incredibly excited and couldn't really believe she had been selected in her first term at Cambridge.

"It's an important match for women's rugby as a whole, with last year being the first time it was played alongside the men's match in Twickenham stadium," she said.

"The chance to play in the stadium, in such a historically significant event, with such a brilliant team around me is phenomenal."