Former rugby pro on ‘really special’ Oxford triumph against Cambridge

A professional rugby player for 11 years, Reed Prinsep is used to playing in matches that carry great importance. Oxford’s Varsity clash with Cambridge was no different as the Dark Blues secured a 37–25 victory on 28 February.

“It was really special,” recalled the Executive Masters of Business Administration student.

“The build-up in terms of the traditions and everything like that was great and the match really lived up to it.

“The team at Oxford hadn’t won the previous three years, so to be part of a winning Blues side was special. It means a lot to a lot of people.”

The 33-year-old lock had a build-up to the match to remember. Just a day before the fixture the Prinsep household gained a new member.

“We were aware the birth of my son was getting close and we were hoping it wasn’t going to be on the day of the match,” said the smiling New Zealander.

“The day before the game, the wee man arrived at lunchtime.

“That afternoon I took a photo of him holding my finger and I put a message in the team chat.

“The boys recorded the reaction on the team bus and they were all cheering. It was pretty cool to see.”

His third child’s arrival left Reed feeling like he was playing on cloud nine for the 144th Varsity men’s match, which was held at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium.

Prinsep arrived in England in late December last year ahead of beginning his studies at Oriel.

“It’s a beautiful part of the world,” he said.

“The girls [my daughters] have settled in well and my wife’s settled in well. And now there’s a wee boy who’s settling in well too!

“New Zealand’s founding document is from 1840 and the College I’m sat in today is 700 years old.  

“It’s unbelievable how young New Zealand is compared to what’s over here. Being immersed in that history is unreal.”

Spending less time on the pitch and more time in the library is all in aid of pursuing a career after rugby. 

“I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I am taking an interest in consultancy,” he said.

“I’m really invested in that and I think that’s down to the learnings I’ve had in rugby.

“I like the concept of working with teams and putting everything I’ve learned into something.”

Prinsep’s opportunity to study at Oriel came through the Liddell Rugby Scholarship.

Established by former New Zealand Rugby Union Director Chris Liddell, he created the grant to help senior professional players transition to life beyond rugby.

“Reed has the opportunity to find out what he might do after a career in professional rugby whilst supporting the growth of rugby at Oxford,” explained Liddell, who studied at Worcester College and has previously served as the chief financial officer at Microsoft and the deputy chief of staff in the White House.

“He will also be able to benefit from the unique aspects of an Oxford college life, whilst simultaneously contributing to the Oriel College community that is celebrating its 700th birthday this year.”

Prinsep already holds a Law degree and is the first recipient of the scholarship funding.  

“I’m hoping I can inspire the next crop of male and female New Zealand rugby players to give it a crack because it’s really special to be able to come here and do this now,” he said.

“I’m very, very grateful to be in a position where that was there and to have been awarded it.”