Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Match 2026
Welcome A warm welcome to Taunton school for their debut appearance at the Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Match. As always we expect to see a sporting spectacle, with all the boys respecting the importance of the event in raising funds and awareness for the ‘A life for a cure’ charity. The college 1st and 2nd team have had a busy start to the season with fixtures against Harrow and Sedbergh. A challenging set of fixtures for any team but this memorial match is the single fixture that stands out for the Clifton college boys, and I am sure one that will live in their memories for years to come. We look forward to an exciting set of matches and another thrilling ending under lights on the main pitch. Good luck to all the teams competing today. Daniel Grewcock
This evening we would like to welcome you all to the Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Match where we celebrate the life of Ryan alongside the game of rugby of which he was so fond. We also extend a big thank you and a first welcome to Taunton School and a returning Dean Close Prep who join us for this brilliant occasion. We are here tonight to celebrate the life of Ryan and so much that is good about our sport with fair play being a huge part. Over the past 14 years the evening has provided some fine matches between all age groups which I have been lucky enough to experience first hand as a player, the memories of the night will stay with each player for years to come. The build up to the occasion always adds a great anticipation amongst the school and players. For the boys who have been here for a while, it is the event they look forward to most and for the boys who have just joined us they have realised what a special night it is. The school had the pleasure of once again having Michelle in to speak in chapel at the start of the week, creating awareness and showing the importance of the cause. I know Taunton and Dean Close have shared the same experience. This event could not go on today in the way it does without the inspirational work put in from our great friend Matt Salter over the previous 11 years and the continuous time and effort he put in to constantly make this event so special for everyone involved. Lastly, thanks to the referees, caterers and Clifton Rugby Club as without them this event would not happen. Shay Sainsbury
A message from the Captain Hello and thank you all for attending this event tonight. The 1st XV are facing Taunton here at Clifton RFC, as part of the annual memorial match that we play in memory of Ryan. We as a team look forward to this game every year, as it is a chance to celebrate Ryan by playing one of the many sports he was proficient in. This evening is a highlight of the year for us and many others, so we hope you enjoy it as much as we do! T Strinati
Results in previous Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Matches 2013 Clifton College 37 - Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School 6 2014 Clifton College 10 - Kingswood School 30 2015 Clifton College 50 - Colston’s School 10 2016 Clifton College 57 - Cheltenham College 19 2017 Clifton College 38 - Llandovery College 15 2018 Clifton College 12 - Millfield 15 2019 Clifton College 29 - Millfield 0 2021 Clifton College 27 - Rugby 0 2022 Clifton College 17 - Kirkham 19 2023 Clifton College 43 - Millfield 41 2024 Clifton College 52 - Kingswood 5 2025 Clifton College 27 - Kirkham 24
Fixtures 17:30
17:30
U14 Clifton College V Taunton School
Prep School Clifton College V Dean Close
U15 Clifton College V Taunton School
19:30
U16 Clifton College V Taunton School
1st XV Clifton College V Taunton School
U 17 14 :30
C Co lifton l Ta lege un ton V
U 17 16 :30
C Co lifton Ta llege un ton V
Cli
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U 17 15 :30
C Co lifton Ta llege un ton V
A life for a cure has raised over £600,000 for meningitis research and awareness following the tragic death of Clifton College pupil Ryan Bresnahan in March 2010. All proceeds donated at this evening’s event go directly to Ryan’s appeal to continue the fight against meningitis.
“The Ryan Bresnahan match is one of my finest school boy rugby memories. Such matches and all that they stand for are so special that they still carry, for me, a real sense of pride to have played in.” Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (WiH)
“The RB game will forever be one of my fondest memories due to the powerful message that this game represents and how The College supports this fixture to allow it to be one of the largest occasions in English school rugby.” Aidan Boshoff (WiH)
“It’s a great night for a great cause with a great atmosphere.” Tom Bowen (WiH)
“The Ryan Bresnahan match is the biggest fixture of the year. The atmosphere and the cause enables you to rise to the occasion.” Aaron Tull (MH)
“It’s a great occasion and one of the best rugby memories I had at Clifton. The atmosphere is rocking from start to finish. It is a great opportunity to showcase your skills in front of a big crowd.” Carywn Penny (MH)
“The night creates awareness for a great cause and provides an unbelievable opportunity for the players to play in front of a big crowd on a massive occasion for them, the school and the foundation.” Shay Sainsbury (NT)
“The annual Ryan Bresnahan match is the game everyone looks forward to, players and pupils. It’s an exciting opportunity to play in front of the whole school and the crowd brings an amazing atmosphere. It is an honour to be selected for this game and certainly one you will remember.” Joe Wooler (ET)
“The Ryan Bresnahan memorial fixtures are special for all involved with the College, past and present. So many great memories are created while supporting a great cause.” Isaac Campbell-Wu (ET)
“It’s a brilliant occasion, where the whole school comes to support which is looked forward to all year.” Victor Worsnip (WoH)
“The Ryan Bresnahan game is a special occasion for all the boys to play in, it’s the most important game of the year for the team due to its important cause and special atmosphere.” George Leyland (NT)
“The Ryan Bresnahan game is such an important match for the College and the boys. It’s an amazing fixture which I have loved playing in against both Millfield and Kingswood. It’s a real highlight of the season being such a big game in front of such a loud crowd.” Freddie St John (SH)
“This is the match I have dreamed of playing in since Year 9 and it is an honour to do so.” Ollie Harris (NT)
“To be able to be a part of the match is such an unreal experience and one that the boys involved will never forget when they look back at their memories at Clifton.” Louie Trevett (MH)
“The Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Match is the pinnacle of a Cliftonian’s rugby season each and every year.” George Millett (NT)
“The Ryan Bresnahan match is one you watch through your time in the Prep School and always want to be out there playing in. For myself and the team, it is the biggest school event of the year playing for a great cause.” Junsei Yasuda (ET)
“The Bresnahan game is the biggest game of the year for the boys and we all know how big the occasion is.” Fin Kandavanam-Lovell (ST)
“It’s always a privilege to play in the Ryan Bresnahan fixture, a game that means so much to the school and carries a powerful legacy both on and off the pitch. One of, if not the biggest day in the Clifton College calendar.” Jake Smith (MH)
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