A talented teenager who started off playing rugby at Letchworth is set to represent Oxford University in the Varsity match next weekend.

Matt Cooke who played all his mini and Junior rugby at Letchworth before winning a scholarship to rugby mad school Haileybury will start for Oxford University against arch rivals Cambridge in the Senior Varsity match next Saturday at the Saracens.

Proud parents Steve and Georgina will be in attendance as guests of the Oxford Dean along with Letchworth chairman Chris Lunnon in what is to all intents and purposes a first for North Herts leading club.

President Brian Burke said: "We are all extremely proud of Matt and wish him all the best for next weeks game.

"I have searched the records back to 1924, when the club was founded, and can find no trace of any first team player who represented either university in this prestigious fixture."

From Haileybury Matt went to Exeter University where he partnered Welsh captain Dafydd Jenkins in the second row and is now doing a post grad course in History at Lady Margaret Hall . 

He has been in impressive form in the boiler house for the dark blues all season and has already attracted interest from several premiership clubs . 

Father Steve who played at Legends Lane for over ten years in the 80s and now teaches science and rugby at Hitchin Boys School said: "At this stage Matt will keep his options open as to his future career but as you can imagine all his focus will be on next weeks game against the old enemy in what is the biggest challenge for all Oxbridge students." 

Letchworth have their own top of the table clash with Sudbury next week, but one eye will certainly be trained on the Varsity match which will be streamed in the club house.