Americans Brakeley, Law Set To Square Off In Varsity Match

The annual Varsity match between Cambridge and Oxford is set for this Thursday at Twickenham Stadium in London. It’s typically seen as one of the best rugby events of the year and has in years past included a number of Americans. This year the match will feature two Americans who have quite a bit in common, making it a must watch for American fans.

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Oxford’s Jason Law and Cambridge’s Nate Brakeley are both locks and both former College All-Americans (Law earned honorable mention in 2011 while Brakeley did the same in 2012 but also nabbed first team selection in 2011). Both come from powerhouse rugby schools that are known for their academics (Law went to Cal, Brakeley went to Dartmouth), and both have also gone to England to further their education and not solely play rugby. Law is in his second year and is studying Sustainable Urban Development while Brakeley is in his first year studying Energy Technology. Each has also played significant minutes for their teams against tough competition as the Oxbridge schools regularly play against the reserve teams from the Aviva Premiership.

But the players have differences as well. Law is a long time rugby player that took the tradition path from Jesuit High School to Cal where he was named co-captain with future Oxford teammate Derek Asbun. (EDIT: I guess my earlier fact was wrong about Nate Brakeley.) Brakeley also can claim 7’s success after helping Dartmouth to back to back Collegiate Rugby Championships.

Oxford and Cambridge have been a bit of a factory for future Eagles over the past few years with both Will Johnson and current Eagle Asbun turning out for Oxford. Both earned Blues. Johnson was a former college football player at Harvard who quickly took to the sport at Oxford where he excelled as a prop. He used a strong performance in the Varsity match to earn a contract with London Irish and several caps for the Eagles. However, injuries forced Johnson to retire. Asbun played with Law at Oxford last season and used that experience to earn time with the Eagles as well as with London Wasps. He is hoping to sign a pro contract soon.

Playing in the Varsity match doesn’t guarantee a spot on the Eagles but it certainly doesn’t hurt their chances. It’s no secret that Americans, especially prospective Eagles, need more high-level matches, and that is exactly what Law and Brakeley are getting. In addition to playing reserve teams from Premiership clubs, both Oxford and Cambridge regularly play tough regional opponents. This type of experience is what makes better players. Johnson and Asbun were largely able to step into the Eagles because they were more accustomed to a high pace of play.

Also helping Law and Brakeley’s chances of earning a U.S. call-up is the fact that both play lock. The U.S. did quite well with its lock choices during the fall tour as both Brian Doyle and Lou Stanfill played well. However, the lack of depth at lock meant that when Doyle went down with injury Scott LaValla had to step in and play the position. He did well but is more suited to play flanker. That makes Thursday’s lineup so intriguing for American fans. It will be one of the few times they get to see two prospective Eagles go head to head in a high-level match. A definite must-see.