MALVERN COLLEGE V
HEREFORD CATHEDRAL
Monday 8th December 2025
Kick-off 19:00
Junior Rugby 7s Festival:
Beaudesert Park, Blue Coat, The Downs Malvern, The Elms, Hereford Cathedral & Prestfelde
Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Matches like tonight’s Border Shield are always a highlight of our school calendar, and it is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 contest at Sixways. This year marks a new chapter, as we face Hereford Cathedral School for the first time in this competition—a moment we’ve been eagerly anticipating.
Sport remains an integral part of the curriculum at Malvern College, and we’ve enjoyed another fantastic twelve months of successes and podium finishes, as our pupils continue to excel individually and as teams. The excitement of a fresh rivalry adds even more energy to this occasion.
I look forward to seeing true sportsmanship, fair competition, and teamwork from both sides, with the crowd adding to the thrill of high-level school sport.
I’m also delighted that our coaching team is again offering the Junior Rugby 7s Festival for U10 and U11 players from local prep schools. The links between physical health and mental well-being are well known, and with our emphasis on preparation and safety, we believe rugby will continue to thrive at Malvern.
Malvern College offers Sports Scholarships at both 13+ and 16+ entry, encouraging exceptional sporting talent across our student body.
As with sport, our opportunities in other fields are also extensive, so do get in touch if you’d like to learn more.
My best wishes go to both teams for what promises to be a memorable and historic game.
Keith Metcalfe Headmaster, Malvern College
Welcome
Ground open from 17:00
16:00 Junior 7s Festival (kick-off)
19:00 Malvern v Hereford (kick-off)
It is a privilege to welcome you to the eighth year of the Border Shield. We’re delighted to return to Sixways and truly appreciate the invaluable support of everyone involved in hosting this special event. Championship rugby returning to this ground has been wonderful— its energy is second to none. Congratulations to Will Lane (OM) on his regular starts for the Warriors this season. Tonight, we look forward to more of that electrifying atmosphere, fuelled by the passion of both schools.
The Border Shield is a highlight of our school calendar and a much-anticipated occasion for the whole community. It offers our boys a memorable experience, enhanced this year by the involvement of Next Gen. Their dedication to nurturing youth rugby—developing talent, creating pathways, and promoting age-grade rugby—adds great value. Thank you also to OM Dave Reynish for producing the specially branded match balls, sure to be cherished by the players.
Rugby is one of sport’s greatest unifying forces, bringing teammates together through shared commitment and camaraderie. It fosters belonging that lasts long after the final whistle. This is reflected in our own squads and in the relationships forged outside the College, such as with Hereford Cathedral School. Our strong link via Ledbury RFC— where Malvern and Hereford boys play side by side—shows how rugby builds lasting
friendships. This unity also features in our overseas tours, and we are excited to continue this tradition with next year’s South Africa trip.
Our commitment to rugby pathways is unwavering. We continue developing relationships with Worcester Warriors, as well as Gloucester Rugby, UR7s, and Scottish Exiles. Rugby is thriving at Malvern College, with each player supported to enjoy their sport, improve their skills, and develop their character. Today’s Junior Rugby Festival is central to that, offering young players a platform to shine. We hope to welcome many of them back here to play in the Border Shield in future years.
Heartfelt thanks go to Nick Tisdale (Master i/c Rugby) and the entire team, whose tireless work brings this event to life each year. Nick’s expertise and dedication are vital to its success and make him a true stalwart of Malvern College rugby.
Enjoy the event and, at the risk of not being impartial: BLEED GREEN.
Mark
Hardinges Director of Sport, Malvern
College
The Downs Malvern
The Downs Malvern is blessed with some very talented rugby players and as our competitiveness and playing strength have improved, our fixture list has developed so that we are now competing favourably with schools with a larger selection pool than our own. We regularly field teams at U8, U9, U10, U11, U12 and U13 level each week, and a number of our boys represent local clubs. Rugby has gradually gone from strength-to-strength at the school as the coaching team has grown and developed, and we are now fortunate to attend high profile national competitions, such as the IAPS and Rosslyn Park Sevens tournaments.
We are indebted to the help, support and encouragement we receive from Nick Tisdale and his rugby coaches from Malvern College that forms part of our rugby programme at the school, and I know that the boys value the input they receive on occasion from a different voice!
The Elms
The Elms is a leading, independent, co-educational preparatory school for children aged between 3 and 13. Welcoming day pupils, flexi-boarders and full-boarders, we provide a special place of children to enjoy their education whilst receiving exceptional pastoral care and every opportunity to flourish. The strong values and ethos are evident throughout all areas of school life. The Elms seeks to find each child’s talents by giving all children the freedom, space and endless opportunities to discover and develop themselves while growing in confidence. We recognise that all children are unique and hugely special and we provide a safe and secure environment for all children to be stretched to their potential.
Beaudesert Park
Beaudesert Park is based on Minchinhampton Common near Stroud in Gloucestershire. Rugby plays a huge role and is highly popular amongst the boys. This season we have 3 teams in each age group. Each session starts with a jog from the school site, across the common, over to our beautiful, fast draining pitches. The boys are very pleased to be attending the Border Shield and are loving being able to play rugby again.
Prestfelde
Prestfelde pupils are incredibly passionate about their rugby. Regular fixtures are played during the Spring term at U9 to U13 level, locally, regional and national tournaments also entered. The school has excellent links with local rugby clubs and many of our pupils play at Bridgnorth, Newport and Shrewsbury RFC. The standard of rugby is very high with many pupils gaining scholarships at their chosen school. The highlight of the season is the Roslyn Park National 7s tournament, which is always eagerly anticipated by the 1st team. Our boys are very excited about playing today and watching the game later in the evening. Thank you to Malvern College for your ongoing support of prep school rugby.
The Blue Coat School
The Blue Coat School is an independent preparatory day school offering an outstanding educational experience to boys and girls aged 2-11. Founded in 1722, the school occupies a beautiful site in Edgbaston, in 15 acres of playing fields and gardens. BCS is a thriving community where children achieve a great many things, with outstanding results.
Hereford Cathedral School
Hereford Cathedral School is one of the country’s oldest schools, offering a truly forward-thinking education for pupils aged 3-18. Rooted in values of kindness, courage, and integrity, we develop confident, resilient, and happy young people who are ready for a rapidly changing world. Our innovative curriculum integrates the most effective technology and is supported by future-ready initiatives such as the HCS Diploma. With boarding available from Year 7, our close-knit community balances academic excellence with outstanding pastoral care, ensuring every child feels valued and supported. An exceptional extra-curricular programme, alongside an outstanding reputation for sport, music and drama, ensures every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.
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Coventry and Bath. Seeing our team run back out aga in after over 3 years of absence, has been a moment of pride and emotion.
However as a venue, Sixways Stadium has evolved far beyond being simply the home of Worcester Warriors. The return of professional rugby has brought with it a revitalised business community, strengthened partnerships acros s Worcestershire and the wider West Midlands, and a new era of collaboration with local organisations, schools, and commercial partners. The venue hosts a wide range of conferenc es, exhibitions, hospitality events and major community occasions, offering opportunities for local suppliers and supporting the wider Worcestershire economy.
Fixtures, such as the Border Shield, showcase schoo l rugby at its best while inspiring the next generation of players who dream of following i n the footsteps of their rugby heroes. We are committed to building pathways for young athletes across the region, and by hosting schools, colleges, clubs, and grassroots organisati ons, we play a vital role in promoting participation, aspiration, and development within t he sport.
We are proud to host the Border Shield once again a nd look forward to welcoming both schools and their supporters to Sixways Stadium.
Coaches
Nick Tisdale, Master i/c
Rob Cook
Chris Pennell
Morgan Monks
Udy
Travelling reserves
Simon von Dungern Tailyour
Felix Freeman
Ted Brough
Harry Herbert Power
Medical Team
James Scriven
Paramedic UK Life Medical Services
Referee (Gloucester Society)
Emily Hope
AR 1 Ben Simpson
AR 2 Alex Dellar
Fourth Official Alex Mulcahy
Malvern College
A very warm welcome to all spectators to what promises to be an exciting contest between Malvern College 1st XV and Hereford Cathedral School 1st XV. What a fitting way for a good number of boys to be pulling on their school rugby jersey for the last time in the 15-a-side game and playing at this fantastic venue, Sixways Stadium, home of Worcester Warriors. Boys, I hope that tonight, representing your schools on the rugby field, will create memories you cherish for a lifetime, alongside the other wonderful times spent with your teammates. It is crucial to remember and reinforce the core values and life skills that the game of rugby imparts to us. Those of us fortunate enough to have been involved in rugby throughout our lives genuinely value the experiences, opportunities, and lifelong friendships the game offers. It teaches resilience, respect, teamwork, physical courage, prioritising values over victory, connection, and a sense of fun. Ideally, sport provides an individual with the chance to showcase their best self, stand tall in the face of adversity, and persist even when victory seems out of reach. The values we learn from the game catalyse shaping boys into men with the right principles. “Good People Make Coachable Good Players”
Rugby at Malvern is in a good place. Fiftytwo boys will embark on a tour to South Africa in July, which will undoubtedly be a trip of a lifetime. Please see the advert for our tour fundraising dinner in this programme; your support would be greatly appreciated.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the staff, coaches, parents, and boys from The Downs Malvern, The Elms, Beaudesert Park, Hereford Cathedral, Blue Coat and Prestfelde who are participating in the U11 and U12 7s festival before the 1st XV match. My sincere thanks for being part of our rugby day during this busy period in the school calendar.
Last but certainly not least, I extend my thanks to our guest speakers: ex-England and British & Irish Lions Anthony Watson, Worcester Warriors legend Chris Pennell, and Rob Cook, formerly of Gloucester and Cornish Pirates. Chris and Rob are both members of the Malvern College rugby coaching staff, adding great value to players of all ages. Our auctioneer for the afternoon is ex-Scotland international Mr Peter Walton. Also, I am grateful to our MC for the day, Mr Andrew Easton, for entertaining our guests during this afternoon’s late lunch. A huge thank you to my right-hand man, Morgan Monks, and to our Director of Sport, Mark Hardinges, for your support in bringing this event to fruition. Not to forget all of the Malvern College staff, both sets of players, the match officials from the Gloucester Society of Referees, James Scriven and his medical team, and of course parents and supporters - without you, none of this would be possible.
Have a wonderful evening, with rugby and friendship being the true winners.
Yours in Rugby,
Nick Tisdale Master i/c Rugby
Award-winning Independent schools
Tes Schools Awards 2025 Headteacher of the Year (Independent)
Shortlisted: Keith Metcalfe Independent School of the Year Awards
The Week Best for Outdoor Pursuits Contender: Best for Boarding, Best for Music
AMCIS IMPACT Awards For Communications and for Branding
StudyTravel Secondary School Awards Chain School
BSA Supporting Excellence Best Artwork and Photography Award
Support for Life Beyond School, Environmental Achievement
Tatler School Awards Lifetime Achievement Finalist for Sarah Angus
Muddy Stilettos For Boarding, Experiential Learning, STEM, Prepared for Life and Eco Initiative
Graydon Coaching
Oppidan Mentoring Awards Silver
School House 2025 Awards Animal Support
Talk Education
U18 Barbarians
Tomorrow’s role models, shaped
Tomorrow’s role models, shaped
At Malvern College we create a safe space to take risks, where selfassured, grounded, and resilient young adults develop their skills to work with anyone, anywhere. We fuel our pupils’ curiosity, equipping them to explore and challenge the status quo, enabling them to set an example to current and future generations.
At Malvern College we create a safe space to take risks, where selfassured, grounded, and resilient young adults develop their skills to work with anyone, anywhere. We fuel our pupils’ curiosity, equipping them to explore and challenge the status quo, enabling them to set an example to current and future generations.
13+/16+ Scholarships Available: admissions@malverncollege.org.uk www.malverncollege.org.uk/scholarships
13+/16+ Scholarships Available: admissions@malverncollege.org.uk www.malverncollege.org.uk/scholarships
Fergus & Will
Head of House
Head Coach Matt Milsom
Forwards Coach
Rob
Hereford Cathedral School
Hereford Cathedral School are delighted to be part of the 2025 Border Shield. This much-anticipated event provides a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work, resilience, and commitment that our students bring to school rugby throughout the year. Sixways Stadium offers a stage befitting such an occasion, and we are thrilled that our players will experience the excitement and pride of competing in such a venue.
Rugby holds a special place in the life of Hereford Cathedral School, not only as a sport but also as a way to develop resilience, perseverance, and personal growth. Being back at Sixways carries particular poignancy for our community. The stadium has played a meaningful role in the journeys of several of our former students - most notably Gloucester Rugby pair George Knowles and Will Butler - who progressed through the Warriors Academy while enrolled at the school. Their achievements serve as inspiration for the next generation of HCS players. It is also personally significant for both myself and Mr Hunt (Forwards Coach), having previously coached DPP age groups during the earlier era of the Warriors setup.
Central to our approach is the ethos of what it means to be Blue and Gold. These values underpin everything we do and shape the way our students conduct themselves both on and off the pitch. Being Blue and Gold means showing integrity in moments of pressure, courage when faced with adversity, and kindness in interactions with others. It is about embracing high standards, taking responsibility, and demonstrating genuine
sportsmanship. Most importantly, it reflects the pride our pupils feel in wearing the school colours, knowing that they carry with them the legacy of all those who have represented Hereford Cathedral School before them.
This season has been a genuine journey for the squad. While the early part of the campaign brought a series of narrow and frustrating losses, these moments proved to be important stepping stones rather than setbacks. Each performance offered lessons that the players took to heart, helping them refine their style of play, develop greater composure, and improve their game management. As the weeks progressed, the team grew in confidence and cohesion, learning to control matches more effectively and to express themselves with increasing ambition and clarity on the field. The progress they have made—both collectively and individually—has been a testament to their perseverance and willingness to learn.
As we look forward to an exciting day of rugby, we extend our thanks to the organisers, visiting schools in the tournament prior, families, and staff who make opportunities like this possible. We are immensely proud of our students for the way they represent Hereford Cathedral School, for their commitment to being Blue and Gold, and for the spirit of togetherness they show every time they step onto the pitch. We hope they relish every moment at Sixways Stadium and take great pride in all they have achieved this season.
Matt Milsom Head of Rugby, Hereford Cathedral
Code of Rugby
Everyone involved in rugby in England, whether as a player, coach, referee, administrator, parent or spectator is expected to uphold the Core Values of our sport.
Teamwork . Respect . Enjoyment
Discipline . Sportsmanship
Play to win - but not at all cost.
Win with dignity, lose with grace.
Observe the laws and regulations of the game.
Respect opponents, referees and all participants.
Reject cheating, racism, violence and drugs.
Value volunteers and paid officials alike.
Enjoy the game.
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Tomorrow’s role models, shaped today.
Malvern College, College Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3DF, UK t: +44(0)1684 581 500 | e: enquiries@malverncollege.org.uk
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