RUGBY
Craig Newby, Director of Rugby
S
t John’s Rugby has enjoyed many highs throughout the 2019-20 season, both through fixtures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for pupils, staff and supporters. The 1st XV played at the Twickenham Stoop for the first time, beating Caterham in the process. Our U13 boys trained at the home of England Rugby, Pennyhill Park. We once again hosted the premiership Harlequins in a full training day, which utilised our exceptional gym, swimming pool and training fields. And our senior girls had a fascinating trip to Loughborough University where they were treated to a day of coaching and games from the England Ladies rugby team, the Red Roses. Despite all the disruption that came later, the season incorporated some exceptional experiences for our rugby club.
Rug
Our approach to rugby at St John’s is to deliver a wellplanned development programme for teams across all age groups. Regular support coaches Adrian Silvester from Harlequins and Topsy Ojo, the former England and London Irish player, along with the inclusion of morning games lessons, has further increased the high standard of coaching offered to all our pupils. This year saw the introduction of St John’s Touch Rugby teams to create opportunities for less experienced pupils develop their skills, whilst still representing St John’s in regular Saturday fixtures. Alongside this, our traditional fixtures continue to strengthen with games against some of the best in the country, such as Hampton, Epsom, Tonbridge, Hurstpierpoint and Seaford to name a few. Over the course of the season, more than 24 teams and 330 boys and girls enjoyed rugby this year, alongside over 30 staff members.
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The Johnian 2020
