Wolfson at the 2025 Varsity Match: Meet the player
The squads for the 2025 Varsity Rugby matches were announced at the weekend and we were thrilled to learn that Wolfson has a player in the starting line-up for both the men’s and women’s teams. We sat down with Ben Scher (2021-), the Dark Blues Fly Half pick, to talk about his research, his time at Wolfson, and how rugby has been an integral part of his Oxford experience. Ben is a DPhil Student in the Department of Social Policy and Intervention.
- Tell us about your field of study
Although I was born in the UK, I grew up in Vancouver where homelessness is really visible and very much on the political agenda. I first became interested in this topic in high school, then did research in this area during my Masters and, in the few years before coming to Oxford, I worked in several homelessness services in Canada and the UK. My DPhil research now is looking at the intersection between homelessness and drug policy responses in a few cities: Birmingham, Vancouver, and Athens.
- What brought you to Oxford?
There are a few things really. Firstly, my department has real expertise in studying the effectiveness of social policies and welfare interventions, which matched up perfectly with my research ambitions. I also love history and so being in such a historic city, surrounded by ancient colleges and libraries was something I always sort of dreamed of. The rugby was also a huge factor. Since I was little, I’d watched the Varsity match on TV, so being involved in a club with such a rich history was always an ambition when considering postgraduate study.
- How did you end up at Wolfson?
When choosing a college I was advised to apply to a postgraduate institution for the peer group and college culture. I actually applied to Nuffield for funding reasons, but was later allocated to Wolfson and I have loved my time here!
- How have you found the postgraduate experience at Oxford?
I’ve absolutely loved it. The first year was definitely a bit daunting finding my feet with my research but I have been fortunate to have had brilliant mentors and have made great friends through Wolfson, my course and the rugby club. Also, the variety of academic experiences I’ve had the chance to engage in has been incredibly enriching, from teaching to speaking at conferences and even dabbling at podcasting, there has been so much more to the DPhil than I thought there would be before arriving at Oxford.
- Rugby has been central to your time here. How have you managed the juggle between study and elite level sport?
To be honest, I really think that having an outlet away from my studies has benefitted my academics. Knowing that at 5:30pm most days I need to be down at the rugby club for gym or training has forced me to be more productive during the working day. It’s also been a great distraction and mental escape from my research when periods of the DPhil were a bit tougher. There are also quite a few postgrads in the rugby club and the management are very understanding if we ever need to take time away or have to miss training or matches for our research.
- What is next for you career / research-wise? Will rugby play a part?
I have a few weeks left before I submit my thesis which feels a bit surreal, but I am also in the process of interviewing for a few different post docs in the US. Hopefully I’ll be staying in academia for the time being, but nothing is for certain just yet. As for rugby, I think I’ll be hanging up the boots in exchange for a non-contact sport…I’m not sure the body can take another season!
- What piece of advice would you have for a graduate student considering Wolfson/Oxford?
For anyone considering Wolfson or Oxford for a postgrad I would say 1) Yes, definitely do it and 2) when you arrive, throw yourself into things outside of your studies. For me, my fondest memories of the DPhil came about through the connections I made around the university. It sounds cliché, but whether it was Wolfson, my department or OURFC, I have made friends for life here in Oxford and so I’d encourage you to really just take advantage of all of the amazing extra-curricular opportunities here – both because they are fun and interesting but also because you will 100% meet amazing people. For Wolfson specifically, it really has been a great community. I have met a ton of people at a similar stage both personally and professionally and so as a college I really would recommend it if you’re coming at postgrad stage.
- Its recently been announced that you will be starting fly-half in the 143rd Varsity Match against Cambridge, how does it feel?
We found out selection a few days ago and it really is the biggest honour of my rugby career. In my first season I was the travelling reserve; I took a year off rugby for fieldwork in my second year and then I was on the bench last year, so to start and wear the number 10 jersey in my final Varsity is really special. As a group we feel we’re in a good place; the cohesion in the squad is brilliant and after a tough loss last year we have put everything into this season to ensure a different outcome.
The 142nd Varsity Match will take place on Saturday 8th March at StoneX Stadium in London, with Women’s kick-off at 12pm, and Men’s kick-off at 3pm.
If you are interested in attending the Varsity Match here are links to the game and transport tickets. Use discount code ‘ourfc66’ for £12.50 student tickets.
