Crossword Genius

Noble player in Varsity match initiated (4-7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blue-blooded

'noble' is the definition.
('blue-blooded' can be similar in meaning to 'noble')

'player in varsity match initiated' is the wordplay.
'player in varsity match' becomes 'blue' (Oxford or Cambridge University sportsperson).
'initiated' becomes 'blooded' (to blood is to initiate an animal into violence).
'blue'+'blooded'='BLUE-BLOODED'

(Other definitions for blue-blooded that I've seen before include "Born high" , "Aristocratic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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