Seaford College SPORT
Tuesday 9th December 2025
The Inaugural John Green Trophy
Today marks the beginning of a new and treasured tradition at Seaford College: the inaugural John Green Trophy, an annual invitational fixture played at the heart of our South Downs estate on the iconic Oval. As we welcome Northampton School for Boys for this historic first meeting, we also pause to reflect on the man whose name will forever be associated with this occasion: Mr John Green, our Headmaster, leader, mentor and twice Head of Rugby, whose influence on Seaford Sport will endure for generations.
Our Head of Rugby, Sean Thomson, has also played a central role in the creation of this occasion. His leadership has driven significant development within our rugby programme and it feels especially fitting that, in the inaugural year of the John Green Trophy, Seaford has enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in recent memory.
Across the College from U10s to the 1st XV, we have played 165 competitive fixtures, winning 108 of them. An extraordinary 412 students have represented Seaford this term alone, taking to the field across 35 teams. Notably, Seaford also made history by regularly fielding a 4th XV for the very first time. This an achievement that speaks volumes about depth, ambition, and enthusiasm for the game within our community.
These statistics are not merely numbers; they are a testament to the culture Sean has cultivated: one of hard work, inclusion, opportunity and pride. Under his guidance and with the tireless support of staff, coaches, families and of course the players themselves, Seaford rugby continues to thrive, echoing the values and spirit championed by John Green.
This trophy is far more than silverware. It is a living tribute to John whose life has been shaped, and defined, by the values of rugby: courage, humility, resilience, respect and an unwavering commitment to team. These are the very qualities John has instilled across our College during his 13 exceptional years at the helm.
Long before leading Seaford, John’s rugby journey was already the stuff of inspiration. Proudly a Campion School student, he came under the guidance of his mentor, the great Welsh coach John Davies, who ignited in him a lifelong love of the game. Campion’s pioneering tours to Australia in the early 1980s helped set the stage for John’s own ascent through the representative ranks.
John’s playing career reads like a road map through English rugby excellence of that time:
• England U16, U18, U23
• Captain of Combined England Students, including the first Students’ World Cup in France, 1988
• Two years captaining the Cardiff Met University 1st XV
• Three seasons with the Irish Exiles in the Interprovincial Championship
• Welsh club rugby with Neath and Newbridge
• Five proud years at Saracens, including in the early professional era, sharing a back row with Richard Hill and Tony Diprose, and taking the field alongside icons such as Michael Lynagh, Philippe Sella, Kyran Bracken and François Pienaar
Following his playing years, John shaped the future of the sport through coaching, particularly during his time at the Harlequins Academy and later as an inspirational 1st XV coach in various schools. His influence
can still be found on our pitches today, from the now-famous “Greeno Split” lineout option to his trademark encouragement: “Keep on, keeping on.”
As Headmaster, John has been as present on the touchline as he has been in the office. Rain, wind or late November chill – John has been there, championing the role of school sport in developing character, community and confidence. His belief that every student should feel the joy and belonging of sport has helped shape Seaford’s identity, ethos and spirit.
His partnership with his wife, Sian, and the contributions of their children have woven the Green family deeply into the fabric of Seaford College. Their warmth, generosity and wholehearted embrace of Seaford life have left a legacy we will continue to honour with immense gratitude.
The John Green Trophy will become an annual celebration of everything John has championed in school sport:
• High-quality school rugby played with pride and integrity
• A gathering of community in the most beautiful setting of our South Downs Oval
• A final home fixture for our departing Year 13s, a moment they will carry forward for the rest of their lives
This match is both a tribute and a promise. A tribute to a transformative headmaster and lifelong servant of rugby, and a promise that the Seaford spirit he nurtured here will continue to grow, year after year.
On behalf of Seaford College, our players, our staff, our families and our wider community: thank you. Your leadership has shaped our school. Your wisdom has shaped our students. Your passion for sport has enriched us all.
As we kick off the first ever John Green Trophy, we do so with pride, gratitude and the knowledge that today marks the beginning of a tradition worthy of the man whose name it carries.
Keep on, keeping on
Mr Christian Head Director of Sport
Match Refreshments
Parents’ refreshments – before and during the match at Cricket Pavilion, next to Oval 1 pitch.
Parents’ refreshments – after the match at the Marquee (back of the Pavilion) where there will be a short presentation
Medical Provision
We will be supported by the Seaford College Physio Team and External Medical Provider.
Additional Medical Support
To continue to ensure that we are providing proactive, gold-standard care to our students, the school is in partnership with Return2Play, the UK’s leading sports medicine partners for schools. Feedback from other schools and parents utilising their expertise is strong, while our own experience has been overwhelmingly positive thus far.
I have attached a letter from the College outlining how to use this free service. If you have any queries regarding your account, then please get in touch with Return2Play directly via hello@return2play.org.uk and they will be happy to help. The helpdesk runs 7 days a week.
Wet Weather and Cancellations
As a team, we will always do everything within our control to ensure fixtures and recreational activities go ahead as scheduled. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated via the respective sports coaches and clarion call.
Dogs on the School Site
We are a dog-friendly site; however, can I remind all parents that dogs should always be on a lead while onsite, and should not be on the field of play. If challenged by a member of staff, please be polite, respect the campus rules and remember that the safety of our students is paramount.
Parents and Supporters – Code of Conduct
For our core values (RESPECT, TEAMWORK, COURAGE, TRUST) to be upheld and our sports programme to be truly successful, it takes the cooperation of all involved - players, coaches, officials, staff, spectators and parents. The College and the staff have spent some time and effort reinforcing these sporting values within Seaford, and we believe it is essential that we include parents and friends of the College in this process.
One of the key questions we ask all supporters to consider is:
‘How does our touchline behaviour shape character and enhance the enjoyment for all the players during the game?’
Please let the coaches coach so that you can enjoy the parental match day experience. As a team and a college, we value performance and desired learning behaviours over the scoreboard – win, lose or draw, it is about the experience and the students making memories with their friends. Thank you for your support with this! Successful College sport is built upon strong partnerships between the students, parents and the College.
We look forward to seeing you all on the sidelines, both home and away, and thank you for your continued support of the Seaford Sport programme.
Blue Blood – Seaford Sport kit provider
Opro – Seaford Sport mouthguard provider
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Seaford Sport – SOCS
Live updates for all fixtures are available on our designated SOCS page.
