News of 2010s and 2020s Leavers

We’d like to share an update on Toby Knight’s stratospheric rise to becoming an internationally renowned Rugby player

“Toby Knight’s Continued Success on the Pitch

It is fair to say that OB Toby Knight (’20) has been enjoying the 2021/2022 season more than most, with his notable progression being recognised at both club and international level. As well as playing in the England Under 20s squad, he has also featured twice for the Saracens first team.

Not satisfied with a place in the starting line-up, he was also given the honour of captaining his country in their Under 20’s Six Nations opener against Scotland, a moment that will stay with the back-rower, for the rest of his life.

“It was an amazing honour and really special for me, personally. It wasn’t expected, of course, but hopefully I did everything right. I loved it, so if I did a good job for the boys that’s all that matters!” Said Knight.

He scored in Edinburgh to cap off what was a brilliant night for the flanker. “It was the dream start and couldn’t have gone any better. It was a good performance and a really special atmosphere, so it’s given us all a taste of playing at the top level. I have loved every second of it so far. It has reminded me of when you are just playing with your mates, we’re having such a good time.”

However, as a young player learning the highs and lows of professional sport, the defeat to Italy the following week meant he was brought back down to earth quickly.

“We have learnt a harsh lesson from that game. Maybe there was a bit of complacency but there definitely won’t be moving forward. It was a tough one to take but we’ll be looking to bounce back in the coming weeks.”

Those coming weeks include an exciting occasion for both Saracens and England Under 20’s, as StoneX Stadium opens its doors to international rugby for the first time with England hosting Ireland on Saturday March 12th.

For a young Saracen, that provides an exciting opportunity to impress on both fronts and Knight admitted he is desperate to be involved. “It will probably be our hardest game but hopefully the home advantage will help us. I can’t wait to run out at StoneX, it will definitely mean a lot to us Sarries guys, if we’re selected. My family will all be coming down and I bet there will be a great buzz around the place.”

Knight, who is in the squad alongside fellow academy members Francis Moore and Alex Wardell says that to be recognised with other Saracens players makes it extra special.

“We’ve grown up through the age grade system together at Sarries and that definitely makes it even better. I live with Francis so to see him getting a chance against Italy as well was amazing! It has definitely spurred something inside of me and confirmed my love for the game. I’ve had a bit of freedom to throw myself in to it and I’m just really excited for what is to come!”

You only have to glance at some of the star-studded names in the Saracens squad to see how much the Under 20’s programme can help young players develop, and Knight is hoping to emulate their success.

“When you look at those boys there are no better people to look up to. You just have to follow their approach, it’s not always the conversations but the little things, watching them train and how they apply themselves. Their drive and hunger is amazing and it really inspires us.”

The exciting back-rower has plenty of role models to learn from at Saracens, and if he is to reach his potential then he could become a household name in years to come.”

Izzie and Samantha Hurst (Na ’17; Re ’18) departed from Berkhamsted School not all that long ago and, already, the enterprising duo have established sustainable fashion business, “Dopplle”. “Dopplle” (a playful take on “doppelgänger) was born to provide climate-conscious consumers with an alternative to fast fashion by way of sustainable swaps.

The duo love to talk about their enterprise and were looking forward to holding an event at the School, in 2020. As with so many events at that time, it was, unfortunately, postponed due to Covid, but, hopefully, it will be rescheduled soon.

In the interim, you can discover more about Izzie and Samantha’s inspiration and motivation for their venture on https://www.dopplle.com

We’re thrilled to hear that Josh Mullins (Ad ’24) has signed a 2-year scholarship contract with Watford Football Club. This is a phenomenal achievement for Josh, who first started his journey in the ‘Under 6’ pre-academy, and we hope to be cheering him on from the Vicarage Road stands soon!

We would like to congratulate Rachel Briggs (Sp ’14) on graduating from her 6-year part time course, at Oxford Brookes University. Rachel has evidently been a stellar student as she leaves having achieved First Class Honours in ‘Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management’, but also with an award for Best Dissertation.

She asks “if any students are interested in construction or Quantity Surveying as a career route, and want to reach out, I’d be happy to share my details”. If you, or anyone you know, would like to learn more about what it’s like to be a Quantity Surveyor, why not drop Rachel a message on Connections.

Steve Dight (Hon) shares an exciting update on his children, Matthew and Louise:

“On August 15, Matthew Dight (Ti ’15) was commissioned at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and will join the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Regiment after completing his Phase 2 training at the end of this year. His younger sister, Louise (Ha ’19), joined Sandhurst in September, after completing her Chemistry degree (High 2:1) at Liverpool University.”

Will Holland (Ha ’12), who recently qualified as a quantity surveyor, received the Freedom of the City of London award, on 26th September. Through his membership of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, Will has raised money for their charity and, as a result, was invited to join as a Freeman. The Pattenmakers’ charity efforts are focused on supporting wounded servicemen via the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre, for which Will raised £2,500 in running the 2015 London Marathon.