The College warmly congratulates current Biology DPhil student Chloe-Marie Hawley and current Medical student Harry Pratt who will both be playing for the Dark Blues at Saracen’s StoneX stadium in London on Saturday 8 March. We asked them what it’s like playing rugby at this level.
Can you tell us a bit about the commitment and work needed to get you to this point?
Chloe-Marie:
Being selected to represent the Dark Blues at Varsity is an incredible opportunity and a testament to the hard work put in throughout the season. Training starts before Michaelmas, and we have an intense preseason camp at the start of Hilary to prepare for this term. We train most days, and recovery is just as crucial to ensure each session is productive. There is also a strong focus on refining individual skills – for me, that means extra kicking practice. Also, commitments extend to showing up for each other off and on the pitch, and being part of the club’s community, especially in the build-up to Varsity. Rugby is the ultimate team sport, and Varsity is the moment where all the effort, preparation, and camaraderie come together on the pitch.
Harry:
The blues have training most days each week, normally with Thursdays and Sundays off. We have big on pitch sessions on Mondays and Fridays, with a team run on Tuesdays before games on Wednesdays. There are also gym sessions on Mondays and Fridays (and Wednesdays if there is no game), as well as some top-up fitness work on Saturday mornings.
How do you balance a Blues commitment with your degree work?
Chloe-Marie:
Having a demanding commitment beyond my academic work is something I thrive on – it keeps me focussed, structured, and driven. Training is my outlet, both physically and mentally; there’s nothing better than hitting the tackle shields after a long day of research and putting all that energy into the game. Of course, balancing both can be tough at times, but sport is a huge part of my life and I wouldn’t give it up. It is just about foreseeing weeks that are going to be intense and planning ahead to manage that as best as possible. For example, this term I have had to do a lot of work on weekends despite my supervisor enforcing a no-work weekends!! In my undergraduate time here, I played three Blues sports at once, so I have learned how to manage my time – but with a PhD, rugby gets my full attention now!
Harry:
It has been a struggle at some points and it can be difficult to balance everything. As a Christian I actually take Sundays off work and rugby – I have found this, perhaps counterintuitively, really helps me to get everything done during the week! It allows me to go hard at my academic work and sporting commitments for six days, before then taking a total break on Sundays. Rugby does also provide a welcome break from work during the week.
What is the hardest part about playing at this level? And the most enjoyable?
Chloe-Marie:
The hardest part for me is maintaining the right mentality when you’re in a tough game against a strong opposition – pushing through, staying switched on, keeping the team motivated, especially when the weather is against you! Rugby is hugely physical, but a lot of the strength comes from your mental game. The most enjoyable part is the team bonding. The friendships, the experiences and memories you share together, the support network, and the feeling of stepping onto the pitch together is the best part!
Harry:
The hardest part for me has been making sure I properly recover between sessions and get enough food on board during the day. Although this has definitely been made easier by the good food served in Hall at Queen’s! The most enjoyable bit has to be just getting to play rugby with some of your best mates. As we spend so much time together as a squad over the season, we are a really close-knit group come varsity.
What advice do you have for someone considering giving university rugby a go?
Chloe-Marie:
Just do it! OURFC is a very welcoming club, whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the sport. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, and more importantly, to grow and develop into a strong rugby player. Every year, we see players progress from the development squad up to the Blues during their time at Oxford. It is a sport that builds resilience, confidence, and lifelong friendships, so if you are even slightly tempted (or have some frustrations to let loose), throw yourself in! There is so much capacity for growth and sporting excellence at this club – I hugely encourage it!
Harry:
Just go for it. OURFC is a great environment to get involved with rugby, whether you have played it all your life or never even picked up a rugby ball. The club have provided me with so many amazing experiences (including tours to Japan and the US) that are simply unique to rugby at Oxford. Getting involved with OURFC is not an opportunity to be missed!
