These days are special, there’s no doubt about that. After weeks of preparation, Varsity 2022 has finally arrived.

Tomorrow evening at Sandy Park, EURFC take on Loughborough in front of a sell-out crowd, determined to keep up the chase at the top of the BUCS Super Rugby table.

Last Wednesday up north, Exeter managed to defeat both Northumbria and the elements, as they battled through the severe wind and rain to take an important bonus-point victory, as the title chase with Durham continues apace, with neither side willing to give an inch.

The focus though, has to remain on what EURFC can control. In the words of 1st XV captain Olly White, “all we can control is ourselves.”

Having missed last Wednesday’s match due to a slight knock, the captain is now back and hungrier than ever, as he prepares to lead his side out in front of the raucous home crowd.

“I remember playing this Varsity game three years ago in my fresh year. It was special then, but it will be even more special now to lead the boys out,” he beamed.

There have been plenty of standout moments over the years for EURFC at Sandy Park. From Harry Bazalgette’s touchline conversion to steal the win against Leeds Beckett, to Kofi Barton-Byfield’s stunning individual finish in the corner against Cardiff Met back in October, this is a venue that has proved a happy hunting ground for EURFC in recent years.

White knows that he and his side are playing for the shirt and the history that the badge on their chests carries. Touching on the “calibre” of some of the players to have played in this fixture, White couldn’t hide how proud he was to be a part of it.

“Everyone is really excited. It’s a massive honour. When you look at the people who have played for EURFC and the calibre of those in that shirt at Varsity, it makes you realise just how much of an honour it is.”

A victory over third place Loughborough tomorrow could mathematically guarantee a top two finish for EURFC and with that, crucial home advantage in the knockouts. Whilst the end goal continues to be hunting down Durham at the top of the table, White has challenged his side to simply focus on a game at a time.

“Obviously, it’s a big one this week but we just have to focus on each game, that’s all we can do. Durham will play their games, but we just have to focus on our own matches.”

Loughborough though are no pushovers and secured a 27-17 victory over Exeter earlier this season. Last Wednesday’s 33-7 victory over Bath was a morale booster for Scott Sneddon’s side and White is expecting a physical confrontation tomorrow evening.

“They are a really good side. They have a strong set piece and they’re really good over the ball, so we’re going to have to try work to nullify those areas of their game,” he explained. “The focus though has to remain on ourselves. We know what we need to fix in our game and how we can take our game to them.”

Ahead of kick-off EURFC have made two changes to their starting XV from last Wednesday’s windy and wild victory up north.

Having recovered from his knock against Leeds Beckett, White returns to the starting line-up to captain the side, with Cameron Bullard reverting to the bench.

The only other change is in the backline, with livewire centre Dan John starting at outside centre, Charlie McCaig switching to the bench.

Whilst the atmosphere will be like nothing many of the players have had the opportunity to experience before, the focus has to remain firmly on what happens on the field.

It will though, be a special occasion for all involved, with White grateful for the opportunity to play in front of friends and family in one of the best stadiums in the country.

“It’s really special being able to play in front of a full stand of all your friends and family. The atmosphere is just amazing and if you look back at the last game here, it was an incredible atmosphere that really drove the boys to that victory.”

This morning also saw the news that tomorrow’s fixture will be livestreamed on the EURFC Media YouTube channel. It will be the first time since 2018 that Varsity from Sandy Park has been shown live and, with a sold-out main stand cheering on the side, it promises to be a special occasion.

Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 7.45pm, with live coverage beginning at 7.30pm.

You will be able to watch the match live on EURFC Media on YouTube, with live match updates also on the EURFC Twitter account.

With just three rounds to go, the fight at the top of the BUCS Super Rugby table is hotting up. Exeter vs Loughborough. Second versus third in the league. It really is one that you don’t want to miss.