Worthian Plays for England

Tom Mitchell has been picked for the England Students Elite Rugby Squad and has so far earned two England caps.

Tom, who completed his studies at Worth in 2007, is now in his second year at Bristol University studying English and Philosophy. He plays for the Bristol University team and was invited to play in a combined university side in last summer’s Tuscan Sevens in Kenya.

This season Tom has been selected for the Elite squad and subsequently was in the starting line up against the national Portuguese side in Lisbon on 30th January. 

Alan Mitchell, Tom’s father and Worth's Director of Pastoral Care said, “Despite playing nearly all his rugby at fly half at school and at inside centre at Bristol, Tom has been playing at no.13 for England and seems to enjoy the space.” 

The squad flew out to Lisbon and had a few days training before the game.  Despite being well in control in the first half the Portuguese came back in the second half and scored a late try to win 21-18.  The students’ performances were very good in their first outing against a full international side.

The conditions for the next game against Irish Colleges (26th February) could not have been more different.  Having decided to switch the game to Gosforth Rugby Club and play on the 3G pitch the weather took another turn and started to snow. Within a few minutes the pitch had two inches of snow on it and a team of volunteers were clearing the lines whenever there was a stoppage in play. 

The England side played open running rugby, even in these conditions, and won the game convincingly 42 -9.  Tom played the full 80 minutes of the game and set up a number of scoring opportunities but will be hoping that he can get on the score sheet himself if he is lucky enough to play in the final international this year against French Universities, in France, on 19th March. 

Picture Credit: LAMAS