Founded in 2006 as the Universities at Medway Students Associations rugby team, the ‘Spartans’ was formed in late September 2007 and moved to their new Priestfields home at Medway Rugby Football Club in Rochester in September 2008.
The squad is comprised of students from three different Universities; Greenwich, Kent and Christ Church which presents numerous challenges during the course of a season. However, Spartans love a challenge as can be seen through our recent successes.
The First XV has had successful back to back promotions and is currently playing in South East BUCS 3. They were also last seasons (2010/11) regional sevens champions, going all the way to the Championship Finals at Preston Grasshoppers where they finished 14th out of 16. The first team is able to boast players of great experience and many have played for their respective counties and even in one case achieving national honours, before coming to university.
The Second XV has just been promoted to South East BUCS 5 after a very successful first season in SESSA where they finished as runners up. The second team is more for those new to rugby or those who prefer the more ‘social’ aspect of the game.
All Spartans are encouraged to attend training which is held on Monday nights at Priestfields, 6pm until 8pm. Our home games are also played at Priestfields with a usual 2pm kick off; the bar is also open from half time for supporters and players alike!
The Spartans overriding target every season is league success for both teams, whilst supporting our home club and sponsor, Medway RFC. To this end all Spartans are actively encouraged to attend additional training sessions with one of the Medway senior sides, of which there is currently five, and play for one of those sides on a Saturday.
For further information about the Spartans please contact Julia Longhurst - Sports administrator for UMSA - at Julia@umsa.org.uk.
For information about Medway RFC’s senior sides please contact Pat Nolan at patrick.nolan@mrfccougars.co.uk or Taff Gwilliam on 07989 566848.
UMSA Spartans - Never Beaten At Home! C'mon Medway!!
