October 2025
Director of Sport Welcome
I am delighted to welcome you to the fifth edition of the Eltham College Rugby Festival. We hope you enjoy the outstanding rugby playing facilities as part of our 70-acre onsite sports fields.
Rugby at Eltham College is an integral part of school life, and we are very fortunate to enjoy incredibly high participation in all forms of competitive rugby across the school, from U7s through to our 1st XV. This festival offers an excellent opportunity to play teams away from our normal block fixtures and test ourselves against some of the very best, with previous winners including Mill Hill and Eastbourne College.
I wish all players and coaches the very best of luck today as we play with passion, discipline, and respect for each other no matter the results.
Head of Rugby Message
We are incredibly excited to welcome all visiting schools for a day of what will inevitably be fierce competition. The festival provides a great opportunity for our boys, as well as those from participating schools, to test themselves against some of the strongest rugby schools in the country – and those that they would not normally play on traditional fixture cards.
The festival would not be possible without the fantastic work of the Eltham College grounds staff and caterers – as well as the outstanding support from our team of officials.
Wishing everyone the best of luck throughout the day – with a final note of thanks to our sponsors: Gilbert , Return2play and SOCS!
Overview
• There will be a coach’s briefing in London Marathon Pavilion at 08.45, as well as breakfast for staff.
• Lunch will be provided for all players and staff. This can be collected from London Marathon Pavilion from 12.00.
• Refreshments and food are available to purchase for spectators in London Marathon Pavilion throughout the course of the day.
• Each team will be allocated a changing room in London Marathon Pavilion.
• Return2Play are supporting the festival with medical provision, they will be based close to the playing pitches and easily visible.
• Eltham College is a dog free site (other than guide dogs).
• Minibuses and spectators can park at the Main School (SE4 9QF)
Rules
• Each game will be 20 minutes, one way.
• Matches will be played adhering to standard U18 laws.
• Yellow Cards will last for 3 minutes.
• Rolling substitutions are permitted.
• As per Regulation 15, it is the coach’s responsibility to ensure no player plays more than 80 minutes of rugby throughout the day.
• The player of the tournament, as voted for by the officials, will receive a free pair of Gilbert boots!
Partnerships with Harlequins, Saracens and Ealing Trailfinders
Owing to our geographical location, and the outstanding individual ability of our students, it is common for Eltham College boys to find themselves in a premiership or championship club’s player pathway. We have multiple boys, throughout the school, who benefit from expert coaching from Harlequins, Saracens and Ealing Trailfinders
Year-Round Rugby Programme
From a preseason programme beginning in August, through to individual skill sessions that run until the final week of the academic year, Eltham College students have ample access to contact points that will develop their ability year-round. In addition to on field sessions, students can access additional support through the High-Performance Athlete Programme, as well as S&C, video analysis and much more.
Tours
As well as outstanding domestic provision, Eltham College students can thrive through a rich provision of tours and experiences from further afield.
Lower School Tour: Every two years, students in Year 7 and 8 tour Wales. Across four days, students train at elite facilities, play fixtures and attend a Men’s 6 Nations game in Cardiff.
Middle School Tour: Every two years, students in Years 9, 10 and 11 have the opportunity to attend either a Men’s Autumn International or Six Nations Game at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Senior Tour: Every two years, students in Year 12 and 13 tour South Africa across two weeks. This once in a lifetime tour acts as a preseason for the forthcoming season and academic year.
Sport scholarships are available to students who demonstrate exceptional talent and potential in Rugby, as one of Eltham’s core sports, whilst also fulfilling the normal academic requirements for entry into the College. Sport Scholars benefit from a programme of mentoring and support which includes access to high-level coaching, links with local clubs and sporting academies as well as the High Performing Athlete Programme. For further details please contact Marc Edwards, Director of Sport.
Thanks to our sponsors Sport Scholarships
Eltham College Grove Park Road London SE9 4QF
+44 (0)20 8857 1455
mail@eltham-college.org.uk
www.eltham-college.org.uk