We spoke to Matthew Ross, the Rugby League Men’s first team captain, about how he and the team are feeling about this weekend’s Varsity fixture against University of Nottingham.
How are you and the team feeling on the build up to varsity?
Yeah we’re feeling pretty confident, we’ve had a successful season with some good results, and after not winning for two years everyone in the team really wants it this year.
What will the team be doing on the lead up to the big event to prepare for varsity?
We’re quite lucky in the fact we’ve got games every week before varsity, which will help with everyone’s match fitness. We are also doing a one week drinking ban before the game. We’re going to make a big day of it this year, going for a squad breakfast the morning of the game and things like that.
Is there a lot of pressure on you as the captain to help lead the team and make sure they are ready for the game?
Not really, a lot of it’s down to each individual. We set some targets at the start of year, one of which was to win varsity, and all the lads have really bought into it. This has taken the pressure off me to get on everyone’s backs.
How do you feel when you arrive on the pitch and see all of the Nottingham Trent fans watching and cheering you on?
Yeah it’s a good feeling, and I always find the chants very entertaining.
Finally, do you believe you will win this year’s varsity game?
I do! Everyone in the team does as well. You’ve always got to back yourself or you might as well hang up your boots. We’re preparing much better for it this year, and all the lads really want to win it as most of us are final year.
The big game will take place on Saturday 25 March, KO 4pm at Lady Bay. For updates during the game, follow @NTUSport on Twitter.
You can see a full list of #NottsVarsity fixtures on our website.
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