27 August 2010

Rugby stars began their world Cup journey in Dundee

Two of Scotland’s women’s rugby squad, currently competing in the World Cup in England, are University of Dundee graduates who starred in one of the University’s most successful sport teams of recent years.

Sarah Gill and Katy Green only took up rugby when they came to Dundee but proved such naturals at the game that they soon found themselves in the University’s first XV and enjoyed a run of success which has included the team winning the Scottish British Universities Trophy in 2009 and the Scottish Universities League this year.

Both studied medicine at Dundee, with Sarah graduating in 2008 and Katy a year later. They both now turn out for Murrayfield Wanderers and are two examples of the prodigious conveyer belt of women’s rugby talent coming from the University.

Fellow Dundee graduates Laura Steven and Cara D’Silva have also represented the senior Scottish women’s team, while a number of Dundee players have also made the Scottish National Development Squad.

Last year, Dundee had three women selected for the Scottish Universities Sevens team that were runners up in the Home Nations Tournament in Edinburgh behind a very strong England team.

Although the Scots have suffered defeats to Canada and France so far, they will be hoping to regain some pride when they take on Sweden in the final Pool match on Saturday.

Paul McPate, Assistant Director of the University's Institute of Sport and Exercise praised Sarah and Katy, saying, 'I am delighted that the university women's rugby team's consistent success in recent years has been the launch pad for a number of players to go on to win senior international honours.'

'To have two recent Dundee University graduates - who only started playing rugby with the university club - representing Scotland in the current Rugby World Cup is a great achievement'

The University's women's team have enjoyed considerable success in recent years and last year were Scottish Universities champions, remaining unbeaten all season.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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