Rugby

Rugby

RUGBY REPORT

WORDS BY

Mr James Hinkins,

Director of Rugby

All players have relished the opportunities given to them and have played some very exciting rugby as a result

Learning the skills: Working hard in training leads to better team performances in matches

With close to 200 fi xtures played this year, the term has been a busy and productive one. It took a bit of time for everyone to get used to a full rugby programme again, as it had been sorely missed, and it was fantastic to see the school fi elds buzzing with fi xtures. Almost every boy in the school has experienced a competitive fi xture for the school and developed in skill, understanding and character as a result. The focus on all teams continues to be on process, development and enjoyment. All players have relished the opportunities given to them and have played some very exciting rugby as a result. The future of the Rugby Club is very bright.

The U13 teams are a group hungry to learn and seize every opportunity available to them. They have not only grown as players but as people as they take complete responsibility for their development and established leadership skills advanced for their years. Most pleasing about their performances is how they have adapted their game on the fi eld of play to exploit weakness and take opportunity. The U13 As, Bs and Cs proved very strong, all only losing one game during the season. Their performances in the fi rst game of the season really set the standard as they displayed determination in challenging circumstances to come out victorious. The 2nd half of the term saw them go from strength to strength

Rugby

2021 2022

as their game continued to develop under the supportive and knowledgeable eyes of Mr Satchwill, Mr Dennis and Mr Mallalieu.

The U12s, without doubt, have a huge amount of potential and there was an unbeaten season for the U12As. They can boast an incredible strength in depth and they never cease to amaze with their performances. They have a genuine desire to get better and better and show some real and C team level. Throughout the season, it was necessary to help them develop advanced skills and tactics to challenge them further. There has been a defi nite sense of fun and engagement with this group and they certainly have a bright future in the game. Mr Guest said, ‘These boys are such fun to coach and I love watching them play on a match day. They never cease to amaze me with the style of rugby they play.’

class in terms of skill and decision making on a match day. Results have largely been in their favour, but they have always been respectful of every opponent faced. What was most impressive for this group is their ‘never say die’ attitude as they have the self-belief to turn around situations in a controlled and measured fashion.

The U11s have followed in a similar fashion and could boast an unbeaten season at A, B

Rugby

The U10s have made incredible progress this season. Some simple areas of the game in terms of skill and tactical awareness have been focussed on, which has allowed boys to play a faster and more inclusive game that exploits space and seizes opportunity in attack and defence. Their hard work was evident in their final game of the season where boys moved the ball quickly into spaces against a physical club team. They also took opportunities to turn the ball over with a connected and committed defence.

The U9 and U8 teams have had a lot of fun this year. Excellent games sessions have led to boys developing a good knowledge of the game and understanding the values of playing as a team in defence and attack. The U9s have relished the challenge of full contact and have put together some committed performances against other like-minded schools. They have played triangulars and festivals, so experienced competitive sport for the school and benefitted from the values these give.

Rugby skills burgeoned in the Autumn Term