Leicester Tigers partners Brooksby Melton College have qualified for the top division of AASE League rugby as the season reaches its halfway split.
The Leicestershire college are Tigers’ associated side in the Academic and Sporting Excellence (AASE) competition, which sees 14 schools and colleges from across the UK – each paired with a professional team – pitted against one another in a hotly-contested development league.
Now, after an impressive first six rounds in their northern conference, BMC are drawn in an exciting pool for the second phase of the season.
They sat in the pound seats to get through to the top division following an intriguing first five games, but a 64-12 rout of Northampton Saints-affiliated Moulton College in their final fixture confirmed their progress.
BMC – who include a core of Tigers Academy prospects in their ranks – put a total of 10 tries past their East Midlands rivals, with scores from Nat Wigley, Will Wand (two), Jordan Tebbatt, Fraser Dunn, Jamie Shaw and academy wing Connor Foster creating a 45-0 lead at half-time.
A double from fellow Tigers speedster Jake Sterland, plus another try for fly-half Joel Bezus, followed after the break as BMC closed out the game at Syston RFC.
The result meant the side knew they were through to the top tier of the competition’s next phase, even if the team were forced to sit through a bye week in Round 7 before their top-flight opponents could be confirmed.
BMC now take on Bath Rugby partners Beechen Cliff and Chiefs-affiliated Exeter College, plus fellow northern qualifiers Gosforth Academy in Pool A of the top division.
Reigning champions Hartpury College, partnered with Gloucester Rugby, and London Irish’s St Paul’s Catholic College are drawn with northern conference qualifiers Oaklands College and Myerscough in Pool B.
The winners of each mini division meet in the AASE League final later in the year.
You can find out more about Leicester Tigers’ link with Brooksby Melton College, as well as information on courses and application details, using the link below.
