SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER TH
KICK OFF: 11:30AM
BIGSIDE
WHITGIFT 1ST XV VS SEDBERGH
WELCOME FROM THE HEADMASTER
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to today’s fixture and to thank you for supporting school sport, which plays such a vital role in the life ofWhitgift.
For me, sport is about far more than competition and results, and I know this understanding is held deeply at Whitgift.While we take pride in our achievements, the true value of sport lies in the lessons we learn both on and off the field, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork engendered through practice and play, and the discipline, resilience, and respect we develop through our sporting endeavours. These are qualities that shape not only good sportsmen but outstanding young men.
Our dedicated staff and coaches work tirelessly to ensure that every boy, regardless of level or ability, has the opportunity to develop, compete, and enjoy their sport. Whether it's on the rugby pitch, cricket square, hockey astro-turf or in any of our other wide range of sports, we aim to nurture both performance and character.
We also thank our team of estates and grounds colleagues for their dedication in preparing the environment in and on which weperform.
I should also like to thank the parents, alumni, and friends of the school who give their time and support so generously. Your presence on the touchlineandinvolvementinthewider community continues to inspire our boysandismuchvalued.
I hope you enjoy today’s match and take pride in the spirit in which it is played.
Withbestwishes,
Toby Seth Headmaster
WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RUGBY
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all players, coaches, and supporters from both schools to Whitgift this afternoon.Today marks the start of an exciting new season, and it is fitting that we begin with one of our most anticipated fixtures against Sedbergh. This is always a special occasion for us, not only because of the quality of the rugby but also because of the longstanding friendship and mutual respect we share with their staff and coaches. It has been a pleasure to reconnect once again.
This season also marks the beginning of a new chapter, with Mr. Moore taking up the role of Director of Rugby, at Sedbergh. On behalf of us all, I wish him every success as he leads the programme forward. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Mulholland for his outstanding contribution at Sedbergh over many years, and to wish him well as he returns home to New Zealand to take up his new post at Christ College. He and I remain close friends, and I know he will be keenly interested in how today’s match unfolds.
Both schools have enjoyed busy and rewarding summers. Sedbergh undertook a tour to South Africa, while Whitgift travelled to Canada for an excellent two-week programme. We took 52 players across both the 1st and 2nd XV squads, each of which won all four of their matches. Beyond the rugby, the boys had a memorable experience exploring the Rockies from Calgary to Vancouver and Vancouver Island, taking part in white-water rafting, ziplining, and whale watching—experiences I am sure they will carry with them for years.
The tour provided an excellent foundation for the season ahead, further strengthened by the 1st XV’s success in winning the Esher Presidents Cup last week at Esher RFC.
Looking forward, the fixture list before half term is as challenging as it is exciting. The boys will test themselves against Wellington, Hurstpierpoint, John Fisher, Seaford, and in Cup competitions. These matches are designed to push every squad and provide the kind of competitive environment in which our players can learn, grow, and develop both individually and collectively.
It has also been encouraging to see our Junior teams training this morning ahead of today’s 1st XV match. I hope they take inspiration from watching their peers and aspire to follow in their footsteps in the years to come.
Finally, I would like to thank our Headmaster, coaches, medical and catering staff, grounds staff, parents, and, of course, the boys themselves. Your collective effort and support ensure that rugby continues to thrive at Whitgift.
Whichever team you are here to support, I hope you enjoy what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of rugby!
Chris Wilkins Director of Rugby
WHITGIFT SENIOR RUGBY TOUR TO CANADA
The Whitgift Senior Rugby Tour to Canada was an unforgettable twoweek adventure that combined highlevel rugby with incredible cultural and outdoor experiences. A group of 52 boys, 6 coaches, and team doctor Dr. Sam Barke departed Heathrow on 26th July, full of energy and excitementforwhatlayahead.
The tour began in Calgary, where the squad trained, watched a local rugby match, and attended a thrilling basketball game. A memorable evening saw the team meet Old Whitgiftian Richard Oakley, who sharedstoriesfromhisschooldaysin the1960s.
Onthepitch,boththe1stand2ndXVs got off to strong starts with commanding wins over the Calgary Mavericks and Calgary Saints. The tour continued west through the stunning Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, where the teams played, and defeated, the Thompson OkanaganRugbyAssociationU17and U19sides.Thehospitalityandspiritat Kamloops RFC made it a true tour highlight.
InVancouver,the boys cycled through Stanley Park and caught up with Old Whit Olly Dickerson, before heading off for a weekend of white-water rafting in Chilliwack and zip-lining in Whistler. These activities brought the squad even closer together, with Social Secretary Ned Beattie leading thebussingalongsinstyle.
A ferry trip to Vancouver Island took the group to Shawnigan Lake School, where both teams played competitive matches against strong opposition, again emerging victorious. Off the field, whale watching in Victoria provided an unforgettable encounter with orcas,humpbacks,sea lions,and seals.
Tour captain Alexei Clapperton, although unable to play due to injury, played a vital leadership role off the field, supporting the coaching staff and leading activities. On-field leadership came from Sam Marshall, who captained the 1st XV with distinction.
The tour concluded with a special dinner in Victoria, celebrating two fantasticweekswithplayers,staff,and
FIXTURE LIST 2025/26
