Richard Blaze claimed bragging right over club colleague Dan Cole at this week's Varsity matches at Welford Road.
Leicester Tigers second row Blaze was in the University of Leicester dug-out as they claimed a 27-13 victory over a De Montfort University side being encouraged from the touchline by England international Cole.
“I knew a few of the Leicester guys and they asked me to help out in training for a while,” says Blaze.
“The other coaches have been with the team for a few years and they’ve been doing well, and I’ve just been able to lend a hand and I’ve enjoyed it.
“The fact that Coley was involved with DMU was an extra factor too – we did our Level 2 coaching together last summer.”
With Blaze and Cole passing on tips from the sidelines, the crowd of more than 4,000 included many of their Tigers teammates, including internationals Dan Hipkiss, Toby Flood, Geordan Murphy and Jordan Crane.
“After not playing for a while, it was exciting to be involved,” says Blaze who had been out of action with a foot injury
“I really got into it from the touchline. I was also aware of the [Tigers] boys in the crowd giving me some stick.
“But I’m happy for the team and the coaches because for a lot of them this will be the pinnacle of their rugby, playing in a big match at Welford Road.
“It’s a great atmosphere and it is a big occasion for everyone.”
Cole, who played in each of England’s matches in this season’s RBS 6 Nations after an impressive run of form with Tigers, has been helping out at DMU.
“I got involved last season because Chris Baron, one of our conditioning coaches at Tigers, was helping there and I’ve done a bit again this season,” he says.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose a big game like this but the team did well coming back from 20-0 down just before half-time. In the second half they got it back to 20-13 and really gave it a good go.
“It’s just a pity they couldn’t get that next score at that stage because that would've made it a really interesting battle in the last few minutes.”
University of Leicester scored a double this year with a 29-5 win in the women’s match and Ladies team coach Matt Weir says the Varsity occasion keeps getting better.
“The University of Leicester women have never lost at Welford Road and it was great for the men to get the trophy back after last year,” he said.
Leicester Tigers second row Blaze was in the University of Leicester dug-out as they claimed a 27-13 victory over a De Montfort University side being encouraged from the touchline by England international Cole.
“I knew a few of the Leicester guys and they asked me to help out in training for a while,” says Blaze.
“The other coaches have been with the team for a few years and they’ve been doing well, and I’ve just been able to lend a hand and I’ve enjoyed it.
“The fact that Coley was involved with DMU was an extra factor too – we did our Level 2 coaching together last summer.”
With Blaze and Cole passing on tips from the sidelines, the crowd of more than 4,000 included many of their Tigers teammates, including internationals Dan Hipkiss, Toby Flood, Geordan Murphy and Jordan Crane.
“After not playing for a while, it was exciting to be involved,” says Blaze who had been out of action with a foot injury
“I really got into it from the touchline. I was also aware of the [Tigers] boys in the crowd giving me some stick.
“But I’m happy for the team and the coaches because for a lot of them this will be the pinnacle of their rugby, playing in a big match at Welford Road.
“It’s a great atmosphere and it is a big occasion for everyone.”
Cole, who played in each of England’s matches in this season’s RBS 6 Nations after an impressive run of form with Tigers, has been helping out at DMU.
“I got involved last season because Chris Baron, one of our conditioning coaches at Tigers, was helping there and I’ve done a bit again this season,” he says.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose a big game like this but the team did well coming back from 20-0 down just before half-time. In the second half they got it back to 20-13 and really gave it a good go.
“It’s just a pity they couldn’t get that next score at that stage because that would've made it a really interesting battle in the last few minutes.”
University of Leicester scored a double this year with a 29-5 win in the women’s match and Ladies team coach Matt Weir says the Varsity occasion keeps getting better.
“The University of Leicester women have never lost at Welford Road and it was great for the men to get the trophy back after last year,” he said.
“To be involved in an event like this is fantastic. It is the culmination of the Varsity sports and it is a great evening.
“There were a few freshers in the teams who have not been involved at Welford Road before and there were a few third-years who hadn’t made the matchday squad in previous years so it is a high point for every one of them.
“I think the event keeps going from strength to strength, and both games were played in front of another big crowd and there was a really good atmosphere.”
