England Students Men’s Squad named for fixture against France Universities

England Students Men’s Head Coach Martin Webdale has selected his 23-player squad to face France Universities at the Stade Beaudry Stadium in Terrasson-Lavilledieu on 24 May 2025. 

England Students, a representative team of top players drawn from universities across England, are looking for redemption in this annual fixture that marks the end of the university rugby season. The match will be available to watch on the Fédération Française du Sport Universitaire (FFSU) YouTube Channel.  

Last year, the England Students came close to victory in Coventry, losing 43-48 in a thriller in the University version of 'Le Crunch'. However, this year they return to Terrasson, hoping for a repeat of their heroic triumph in 2023, which marked their first win on French soil in 17 years.  

The squad will gather for a training camp at RAF Henlow before heading to Terrasson in preparation for the clash. Head Coach Martin Webdale, who is the Head of Rugby at Loughborough University, leads the team and is supported by Assistant Coaches Kerry Wood, Rugby Programme Manager at Leeds Beckett University, and David Ross, Head of Rugby at Nottingham Trent.  

Andrew Kennedy continues as Team Manager, generously supported by a returning team of S&C Lead Jamie Knight, Doctor Luis Mendia, Physio Stephen Rowell, Analysts Connor McIntosh and Ethan Wetherell, and Kit & Logistics Stu Darby. 

Martin Webdale, England Students Head Coach, said: “Myself and my fellow coaches are really excited with this squad. We feel that the players selected have performed well in BUCS rugby and will represent England Students with pride against France.”    Phil de Glanville, ex-England Captain and SRFU President, said: “Congratulations to all the players named in the England Students squad for the trip to play France Universities. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work for the players through the season playing for their University clubs, and the challenge now will be integrating into one England team, working together and sticking together when the going gets tough (which it surely will do!) in the match. Well done to all concerned, and go out and give your best in the white shirt.” 

England Students squad to face France Universities (includes university):  

Alex Davies, Leeds Beckett  

Alfie Griffin, Bath 

Ben Parkin, Leeds Beckett  

Carn Richards-Farr, Hartpury  

Dan Eckersley, Loughborough  

Elliot Gourlay, Loughborough  

Jacob Cusick, Loughborough  

Josiah Edwards- Giraud, Hartpury  

Lucas Dorrell, Exeter  

Max Knight, Hartpury  

Max Pearce, Bath 

Morgan Meredith, Loughborough  

Noah Fenton, Exeter  

Ollie Mullarkey, Leeds Beckett 

Oran Murphy, Loughborough  

Oscar Stott, Durham 

Rhys Price, Hartpury  

Seb Smith, Loughborough  

Tom Gulley, Exeter  

Tom Worts, Hartpury  

Wilf McCarthy, Hartpury  

Will Ramply, Nottingham 

Yande Nkonge, Loughborough  

For more information, please get in touch with Elly White, SRFU Head of Communications, at e.white@studentsrfu.com.