Eastern Echo partner Savills Cambridge was a headline sponsor for this year’s Steele-Bodger match, a  long-standing rugby showcase that included a Cambridge University XV captained by England international Toby Flood.

Every year the Light Blues take on a Micky Steele-Bodger XV – largely regarded as being the second most important date in the club’s calendar behind the Varsity Match.

To date, 71 matches have taken place since Micky Steele-Bodger selected his inaugural side in 1948, with the team’s shirts sponsored by Savills Cambridge.

The Light Blues of Cambridge – which ran out eventual 36-26 winners – were captained by former England international Toby Flood, though he had to be stretchered off in the first half after suffering an injury.

Micky Steele-Bodger – who passed away in 2019 – was an England international who became one of the global game’s foremost administrators and was admired throughout the world by generations of players whose careers he helped influence.

His playing career was cut short at the age of 24 by a serious knee injury by which time he had already won nine caps in the back row for England as well as representing Cambridge University, Edinburgh University, Harlequins and the Barbarians.

He also went on to become a selector for England and the British and Irish Lions, served as President of the Rugby Football Union in 1973-74 and then as Chairman of the International Rugby Board. He was appointed a CBE in the 1990 New Year’s Honours List for services to the sport.

Tom Fraser, head of office at Savills Cambridge, said: “The Steele-Bodger XV is a long-standing tradition and is one of the most eagerly anticipated days in the local sporting and property calendar. We were delighted to be involved and were only too happy to show our support by sponsoring the team’s playing jerseys. It was a fantastic afternoon and we look forward to renewing the partnership next year.”

Image source: Savills

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