Skip to content

Commonwealth success for teamglos

​Three athletes connected to the university won medals at the Commonwealth Games in Australia this weekend.

Severn Stars player Jodie Gibson was part of the gold medal winning England netball team that overcame host nation and favourites Australia in a 52-51 win, the greatest result in their history.

Sport and Exercise Sciences graduate and former men’s rugby captain Ruaridh McConnochie took home bronze as part of the England men’s rugby union sevens team. The team managed to defeat South Africa 21-14 after previously losing to gold medal winners New Zealand.

Masters student Heather Fisher also made it to the podium in the inaugural women’s rugby sevens competition. The England women’s rugby team won bronze after their 24-19 victory over Canada.

Dr Anita Navin, Head of School for Sport and Exercise, said:

“I’m proud to see such success from athletes who’ve either studied at the university or played for our professional netball team, the Severn Stars. Ruaridh has gone onto great things since he graduated, playing for England rugby sevens and winning a silver medal with Great Britain at the Rio Olympics. This medal is yet further proof that Ruaridh is a world-class performer.

Heather was part of the England squad that won the 2014 World Cup and I’m so pleased that she has achieved further success with the England sevens team at the Commonwealth Games. Jodie’s achievement with the England team is nothing short of phenomenal and I am certain that her success will help the Stars team in our remaining fixtures in the Superleague season.”