COLLEGE PARK is by some distance the most picturesque rugby pitch in Ireland. Bordered by buildings steeped in history, it is not surprising to learn that Dublin University, which was founded in 1854 is the oldest rugby club in the world, and that the pitch is the oldest rugby playing ground.

Attempting to play rugby that is as pleasing to the eye as the surroundings would never be a problem for a college team, where the emphasis is always on an open, flowing style. However, maintaining the proud history of victories in various competitions is not as easily achieved, especially in the professional era.

Despite winning promotion to Division Three last season, Trinity lost their first three league matches before Christmas. But after Saturday's win over Bangor, the future looks infinitely brighter.

Trinity's coach Dermot Strong, is bullish about his side's prospects and about university rugby in general. "We were missing a lot of players so the first half of the season didn't go well. I hope we can turn the corner now and consolidate our situation."

Strong, who played in the centre with Trinity, believes he has a potentially fine side. As always with a university side he would love to be able to bring in three or four big forwards to reinforce the pack. "If we could keep players as graduates, the club would prosper. It is beginning to happen, four of the present team are graduates."

While not yet a graduate, John McKee definitely pushes the average age of the Trinity team up. Back in college as a mature student, McKee first played rugby for UCC when he was studying engineering. Now studying pharmacy, the 33 year old prop became the oldest first time Colour when he played against UCD last month.

What's his verdict on playing with a college team. "It's great fun. Anyone who says being a student nowadays has changed, doesn't know what they're talking about. Students are still students."

Strong believes that Trinity will always struggle in the early stages of the AIL because it starts in September, whereas the first term of college only starts in October. He also feels that rugby is played at the wrong time of the year, and would prefer to see his side playing on a firm pitch rather than slogging it out with bigger men in a mudbath.

Of course recruitment from senior clubs has also hit the side. According to Strong there are eight students playing with other senior clubs while younger players at the university are being put under pressure to play with the clubs at underage level.

Trinity's captain William Robb backs up his coach 100 per cent on this point. "It's very frustrating to see other guys going off to other senior clubs after just playing one year with the college. We'd like to see players in college playing with the club and for a few years afterwards, as we're always up against it sizewise. It's a great club and great fun. At senior clubs they'll be sitting around talking about mortgages and kids."

The club's president John Terry would like the IRFU to protect players at the university by offering them a dual mandate, which would allow them to play for a senior club and their university.

Back on the pitch on a mild January Saturday afternoon, things are going well for the home team. In the second half their forwards get the measure of Bangor and when Jan Cunningham, Mark Edwards and Aleric Turtle get a bit of space there is no stopping them.

A first year student from upstate New York is busy taking pictures. Is she a big rugby fan? "No, I don't know anything about it. But it's a part of life here and I want to snap it."