Newcastle University

Lively 3rd Year AgriBusiness Student Mungo Strachan has been selected for the English Universities Combined Rugby Team.

Following a year in Wellington before University, and after playing for Scotland at Junior Level, selection for major representative sides has become second nature- yet none of this has made him complacent. “It’s great to be selected. I love playing rugby and the camaraderie within the side. Every game and every selection is important. As a Scot I’ve had a bit of stick about wearing the England shirt but it is all in good humour”

Between his hard-work to achieve his degree, Mungo also trains with Newcastle Falcons and has found himself a place on the academy there. Clearly a talented player, he is in high demand, but is not tempted away from University Sport.

“I’ve seen the investment in the rugby club over my time at University; we’ve now got a full-time Director of Rugby Tom Wilkinson, along with a team of other coaches. I think it was only right ignore any other clubs for now, and concentrate on representing the University which I really enjoy doing”

His England University programme took him to Portugal for 6 days where they narrowly lost 31-28 to their full national side. “It was an achievement to push them so close, and a great experience” he added. “After University I’ll definitely be looking to pursue a career in Rugby, but a degree is important as backup. You never know what’ll happen”.

They will now compete against Welsh, Scottish and Irish Students across the coming months. Mungo will certainly be a great addition to their squad, and is a superb asset to the University.

Richard Stanyon