A Successful Season in Rugby Sevens

The RGS Worcester Rugby Sevens programme has had a very successful Lent term. The first half of the term was used to develop our Sevens structures and principles, whilst providing the opportunity for different Year groups to train together. It was extremely gratifying to see these interactions which helped align attitudes to do well for each other, as well as for the School.

The Sevens Season culminated in the annual Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens Competition last week. This Tournament is the world’s largest school Rugby Tournament with more than 7,000 competitors playing over 1,100 matches throughout the week. RGS Rugby teams were playing alongside some of the most renowned Rugby schools in the country and pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience. RGS Worcester entered the Tournament with our Under 14s, Under 16s, and Under 18 Boys and Under 18 Girls, all giving a good account of themselves on a national stage. The work rate for each other and the team, together with a strong desire to do well were the foundations for a very positive week of Rugby Sevens. Overall, the RGS teams won 7 out of the 12 group fixtures played.

The Under 18 Girls Rugby team had a successful group stage. They enjoyed a resounding 50-0 win over Sir William Borlase Grammar School, a competitive 10-10 draw with Callywith College before losing their final game to Group winners, King’s College Taunton. This meant they qualified for the second stage of the Tournament last Friday. Despite losing both their second stage games, the team gained tremendous confidence and experience from progressing to the second day of the Tournament, in only our second year of Girls’ Rugby at RGS.

The Under 18 Boys team unfortunately had an early defeat in their group stage, but then went on to record resounding victories in their final two group games winning by a combined score of 66-0 to finish second in their group. The Under 16 Boys team demonstrated strong elements in their Rugby: hard work, attitude, and teamwork. Although only securing one victory in the tournament, this drive will serve these players well for the future. The Under 14 Boys team had a strong Tournament, winning two of their group games to finish second overall in their group. Again, the team gained excellent experience which will stand them in good stead for future Sevens Tournaments.

Highlights of the Rugby Sevens season included: 2 Plate Semi finals, 2 Cup Semi finals, 3 Plate Finals and 2 Plate Wins, with the Under 12 team claiming silverware at King’s School Macclesfield and the Under 14 team winning the Plate at Old Swinford Hospital School Tournaments.

Head of Rugby, Mr Rob Lewis, comments: “It has been fantastic to see the development of play and the skillset among the Rugby Sevens teams. It has also been so rewarding to develop Girls’ Rugby at RGS. It has been a very successful season and I look forward to what next year holds”.

Well done to all the players involved in these Tournaments and thank you to parents and families who attended to support the RGS teams.