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Gazette Januar y 2021
“ The boys definitely saved their best until last, putting on a solid performance, in what could be seen as a historical moment and one of the best team victories by a sky blue and white team.”
C H A R AC T E R DE V E L O P M E N T
King’s Crowned AAGPS Champions The King’s Rugby season began like any other, with the squad preparing for their biennial tour around Europe. Travelling for 26 days, stopping in four countries and playing seven games, the boys had a fabulous time practising their rugby while making many lifelong memories. The tour provided a great development platform for the boys; and unbeknown to them at the time, their undefeated tour was setting them up seamlessly for the 2020 season ahead.
It was now 2020, a new year and one that had promised great significance for the School as it marked the sesquicentenary of Rugby. To the squad’s dismay, however, 2020 would be a year like no other. March came along and with it COVID-19 - the pandemic that would jeopardise the season ahead, not just for our rugby boys, but for all sport at King’s. Although spirits dropped, the boys were distributed with isolation programs and to their credit, did not stop training. Months passed with little hope that AAGPS sport would go ahead. Then the announcement was made. Cheers of joy echoed through the Senior School campus as the Headmaster notified the community that AAGPS sport would commence – meaning the world’s longest pre-season would continue for our players. The boys never stopped their training, working harder than ever before for their long-awaited season. With Round 1 against St Joseph’s College postponed, the season recommenced on the JS White Oval with Round 2 against Riverview. It was a different atmosphere to the
usual lively King’s rugby game as there were no war cries, tunnel, Old Boys or friends and family there to watch. Yet, there was no stopping our loyal King’s supporters from cheering on the boys. With COVID, came the frequent use of live stream. Like never before King’s AAGPS sports games could be broadcast to the community via phone, tablet, laptop, you name it. Despite all setbacks, the boys started their season very well with a clinical win. Round 3 rolled on and it was another win for King’s, this time defeating Scots College. After throwing everything they had at the King’s team, in an effort to hold onto their season after a defeat the previous week, King’s held strong taking the win. The belief in each other and teamwork displayed was something very special, evident in all aspects of the game. Onto Round 4 against Newington – the game that commemorated 150 years since the first game of rugby was held between the schools. As expected, this turned out to be a gruelling encounter, with King’s grinding out a decisive win, setting them up for their last home game against Shore.
