Varsity stars in line for Nottingham Rugby debuts

Ahead of their 2012 RFU Championship opener on Friday 31 August, Nottingham Rugby Football Club has added two new recruits from The University of Nottingham Rugby Club. Spotted when representing the University in the annual Varsity Match against Nottingham Trent, Alex Boggis and David Priest have become full-time members of the squad and are in contention for a starting place in the match against Leeds Carnegie at Meadow Lane tomorrow night. Having being included in the clubs pre-season games, both players are looking to follow in the footsteps of former British Lion Brian Moore and current Nottingham Rugby players Tim Streather and Andy Savage, who have all represented the club while studying at The University of Nottingham. Balancing sport and grades Dave Priest, a 3rd year Physiotherapy student who was playing for the University's first team last year, explained: "It was pretty daunting at first, getting the call and being asked to join the big names for pre-season. Obviously it is something I want to do; I enjoy playing rugby - love playing rugby, so if I can take it further that will be brilliant. "The University has helped by bringing in some quality coaches over the last couple of years, which have really helped us to develop our skills and awareness on the pitch. From the academic side they are pretty understanding, allowing me the time to train and to study to get good grades as well." Alex Boggis, who is currently in the second year of his Classics degree, added: "I am quite similar to Dave.