Christ Tshiunza vs Cardiff (Photo Credit: Ollie Dunger)

A university debut and international selection, all in a few hours for UoE student, Christ Tshiunza

At 19 years old, Christ Tshiunza is playing BUCS super rugby in the week, premiership rugby on the weekends, and finding time to be selected to represent Wales for the Autumn Nations Series.

The University of Exeter student admitted that it had been a “wild couple of weeks,” as he received a call-up to the Welsh squad for the autumn internationals, hours before his BUCS Super Rugby debut against Cardiff.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in the last couple of weeks and I’m just taking it day by day,” explained the young forward.

After several appearances off the bench for Exeter Chiefs this season in the Gallagher Premiership, Tshiunza made his long-awaited debut for the university on Wednesday against Cardiff in a 37-8 victory.

Explaining how he found out about his international selection, Tshiunza admitted that he “got a call shortly before arriving at Topsham on Wednesday.”

“I ended up speaking to Wayne (Pivac) and it was all a bit surreal. I just brushed it to the side to get the game over with and then it’s a case of celebrating with the boys and my family.”

Tshiunza will join up with the international squad in the coming weeks. Despite being unavailable for the opening fixture against the All Blacks, Tshiunza will have the opportunity to impress in camp, ahead of fixtures against Australia, South Africa and Fiji.

“I’m really looking forward to the learning,” he explained. “What I learn in the camp will be a really big step up for my career and I’m going to take that opportunity with both hands.”

Speaking about Tshiunza’s selection, Director of Rugby Keith Fleming said:

“We are thrilled to see Christ’s development continue onto the international stage. He is an incredibly humble young man with a big future ahead of him, and we wish him all the best for what I am sure will be a fantastic experience for him.”

Harry Scott-Munro (Head of Media EURFC)

Date: 18 October 2021