Sophie Behan has been elected as Oxford Women’s captain, as the Dark Blues continue their preparations to defend the title for the 2017 Women’s Varsity Match.
Behan, who is currently reading for a degree in Engineering Science at St Edmund Hall, brings a wealth of experience to the position as a double blue, and will be looking to lead from the front having started at prop in 2015 and then at No.8 in the 2016 victory.
Speaking on her selection, Behan expressed what it means to her to be leading the charge for Oxford; ‘Being elected as the OURFC Women’s Captain for the coming season is an incredible privilege. I am joining the ranks of some formidable former captains who have left behind some very large shoes to fill, but I’m ready for the challenge.
Behan continued to comment on the impressive job that last year’s victorious captain Catherine Wilcock did in leading the team; ‘Catherine brought a calmness and focus to the squad last year which carried the team through difficult minutes on the pitch and maximised the benefits of our fantastic support network. This allowed us to overturn a significant deficit to Cambridge in 2015 and I intend to build on it next season.’
Expanding further on her time with the club, Behan continued to say; ‘Over the past two years I have been introduced to an amazing club and a group of astounding women! The chance to represent both and continue to play a sport I love is a rare and exciting opportunity that I am incredibly fortunate to enjoy.’
Having suffered a tough loss in 2015, Behan will be looking to repeat last years close fought victory; ‘Having been on the pitch in 2015 when Cambridge won, last year’s win was that much sweeter. I am so proud to have been a part of that squad, who threw their hearts and souls into 80 minutes and came away with the trophy. Fingers crossed for a repeat this year.’
