From World University Championships to the Universiade

KAZAN – The Great Britain men’s rugby 7’s team stormed to victory in last years’ FISU World University Rugby 7 Championship (WUCs) and now they’re heading into the Universiade with the same mindset. “We’re here to win and that’s what we’re going to do. It gives you a boost because everyone knows you’ve won already,” said Edward Mama.

The team got off to a hot start on the opening day of competition as they beat Malaysia 59-5 before defeating Georgia 38-0. “It really did prepare us well,” Mama said of winning the WUCs. “We’re feeling confident.”

Teammate Tomos Treharne says that both the WUCs and the Universiade are the perfect way to show off their talents. “Being in university, we can’t put in the same amount of time as professionals do so this gives us a stage to show what we can still do while staying at uni.”

Having played together recently, Treharne says it’s a big advantage over their opponents that they’re already prepared to play a tournament over only four days. “We’re already in the mindset of being able to switch on and off when we need to so that helps.”

Mama and Treharne will be going in different directions in the near future. Mama has begun to play professionally in 15-a-side rugby union, while Treharne will stay at 7’s. “I’m too small to play union,” Treharne said with a smile.

Matt Tidcombe (CAN), FISU Young Reporter – Photo: C.Pierre/FISU