Joe Robertson, a third-year history PhD student at Christ’s, is vice captain of the University Rugby League Team who play their Varsity match against Oxford on Friday.
We caught up with him to find out more his work and his sport:
Please describe your research.
I focus on anti-Jesuitism in England in the seventeenth century. The Jesuits were a Catholic religious order founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. I track the evolution of their depiction in English contemporary literature, in particular how big events, such as the Gunpowder Plot and English Civil War, affected perception of the society.
You are president of the Cambridge University Rugby League Club, tell us a little about the sport.
Rugby League was founded in 1895 after a break from the Rugby Football Union. It is particularly popular in the north of England and in Pacific Island countries.
The Cambridge Rugby League club has a team that regularly competes in the BUCs league competition (the organiser of University sport).
We also have a second team and Women’s rugby league team that compete annually against Oxford. Our Varsity is on Friday as we look to reverse the script of last year’s loss in Oxford.
How does it differ from Rugby Union?
Rugby League is generally a faster-paced game. There are only 13 players on the pitch, rather than union’s 15, which means more space, naturally lending itself to more expansive rugby.
There are also a limited number of phases, with a turnover of the ball occurring after tackle number six, meaning teams generally kick the ball after five tackles. It is a game I really enjoy and have been really pleased with the growth of the club in recent years.
What do you enjoy about being a postgraduate at Christ’s?
As a historian, the age and history of the College is obviously a bonus, but the main strength of the College is its community. Whether through the postgraduate society - the MCR, as a member of the rugby club or working in the buttery, I have made incredible friends, hopefully for life.
I have also been lucky enough to have lived in the new postgraduate accommodation block, Yusuf Hamied Court, since its opening in 2023. Being able to live so centrally and in such nice accommodation has definitely been a huge perk.
You are currently completing your thesis - how do you manage your time?
Balancing academic work and sport at university is about organisation and keeping on top of things. We also luckily have a great culture at Cambridge Rugby League that understands we are all students first, and no-one is penalised for prioritising work over rugby.
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Joe, playing at number 13, is joined by Bailey Liu, a 2nd year studying engineering playing on the wing. Harris Wood, a 2nd year studying geography, will play for the Reserves. The matches take place at the Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club, Grange Rd, Cambridge, CB3 9BN on Friday 14 March, kick off at 17:30 (Reserves) and 19:30 (Blues). Tickets start at £3.50. Buy tickets here.
You may also watch via livestream.