COLLEGE PARK – Trinity Rugby’s success against touring sides will be put to the test tonight when the Oxford University Blues travel to Dublin for the Annual Trinity–Oxford University Challenge. 


The series has been a season staple for many years and has produced some classic matches. The series, played once a year at either Oxford University or in College Park, brings together some of the best players and action from both sides of the Irish Sea, ultimately showcasing two of Europe’s premier university rugby programs. 

DUFC has won two consecutive matches in the Trinity–Oxford series and hopes to extend that to a third match with a victory tonight.
After an outstanding victory last Saturday against Young Munster on the road, Trinity look poised to put in another quality performance come tonight’s 5 PM kick off. Trinity’s starting XV will have a different look to it today, however, due to players being selected for Irish Clubs in preparation for Friday’s match against English Counties in Cork and three DUFC players who will continue their time with the Irish U20s in the run-up to Friday’s final U20’s Six Nations match against England. 
Injuries have also taken their toll on the team, notably with the season-long departure of out-half Jack McDermott to a shoulder injury. That being said, tonight’s team has been selected with an eye on next season. 
Tonight’s lineup has five of Dublin University Football Club’s very successful U20’s back line, Rowan Osborne and James Hickey the two U20’s backs to see in their name in the starting XV. Jack Burke, who will captain tonight’s Trinity side, remains the only First XV player remaining from from Saturday’s pack. The pack is heavily built on DUFC’s 2nd XV pack who have just recently earned the Metro 2 League championship. Burke will play with U20’s Captain Roghan McMahon in the second and back row, respectively, as well as six more of the U20’s best forwards.
For anyone wanting to see some of Ireland’s and England’s best young university rugby talent, tonight’s match is a must-see. DUFC’s matches against Oxford highlight the proud rugby and educational traditions of both schools and will surely make for some great action on the pitch. Kick-off is at 5 PM, so come out and cheer Trinity on to victory!

Tonight’s Starting XV
: 15 Micheal Silvester; 14 Tim Maupin; 13 James Hickey; 12 Kyle Dixon; 11 Brian Mollen;, 10 James Fennelly; 9 Rowan Osborne; 1 Fintan Murphy; 2 Jack Boland; 3 Darragh Higgins; 4 Jack Burke; 5 Jack Hennessy; 6 Cormac Blake; 7 Dermot O’Flynn; 8 Roghan McMahon
16 Jesse Milne; 17 Will Sims; 18 Evan Dixon; 19 Frazer Wright; 20 Jack Balbernie; 21 Dan Joyce; 22 Maurice Buckley; 23 Tom Collis; 24 Vittorio Mantegazza; 25 Dave St Ledger; 26 Adrien Chabonnier
C’mon Trinity!