ANU Blue takes early NRC lead as Canberra United prepares for season kick-off

Canberra's college sport scene is buzzing after ANU Blue surged to the top of the National Rugby Championship (NRC) ladder with a 34-12 win over the University of Sydney at ANU North Oval on Saturday.

Early season form

The victory, which came in the second round of the NRC season, sees ANU Blue sitting alone in first place with a bonus-point win in each of its opening two matches. The side has scored 72 points in total across those games, while conceding just 24.

Coach James Fielding said the squad's depth has been key, with nine different try-scorers so far. The team's next challenge comes on July 25 when it travels to Sydney to face Macquarie University.

Meanwhile, on the soccer pitch, Canberra United is preparing for its Women's National Premier League (WNPL) season opener against Belconnen United at McKellar Park on July 18. United finished fourth last season but reached the grand final, where it lost 2-1 to the Illawarra Stingrays.

The club has a strong pipeline of college talent, with 11 current or former Australian National University students in its squad. Among them is midfielder Chloe McGovern, a year away from completing her bachelor's degree in sports management.

What's next for college sport in Canberra

For ANU Blue, the goal is simple: maintain its NRC title charge. The squad trains three times a week at the ANU Sports Centre and is working to reduce its penalty count, which stood at 11 against Sydney University.

On the soccer front, Canberra United's pre-season included a 3-0 friendly win over Tuggeranong United and a 2-2 draw with the University of Canberra. Coach Sophie Reed said the team is focused on sharpening its defensive transitions before the WNPL campaign starts.

College sport in the capital continues to grow, with the ANU and University of Canberra both fielding multiple teams across rugby, soccer, netball and basketball. For student-athletes like McGovern, balancing training with study remains the biggest challenge.

Both ANU Blue and Canberra United will be looking to build their seasons in the coming weeks, with ANU Blue's next match against Macquarie University on July 25 and United's WNPL opener against Belconnen United on July 18.