The Varsity fixture between Oxford and Cambridge Universities was first contested in 1872 and quickly became one of the most celebrated on the annual rugby calendar.
In 1909 a young engineering student, from Balliol College, by the name of Ronnie Poulton was selected for Oxford. The young centre dominated the match, scoring a record 5 tries and helping Oxford to their largest ever victory, 35-3.
Five years later in 1914 Poulton would captain England to a Grand Slam. The following year he was tragically killed by sniper fire above a trench south of Ypres.
Taken from the ‘Rugby Moments’ gallery – World Rugby Museum.
To learn more about Ronnie Poulton visit the Lest We Forget special exhibition – now showing.
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