Rugby Season 2018/19

Last Saturday was the culmination of the fantastic Inter and Senior Rugby season for 2018/19.

Having taken over an excellent program in the summer from Mr Dan Richards it has been a pleasure, and I thank them wholeheartedly, to work with all who succeeded in delivering a successful, rewarding and ultimately enjoyable experience for all the pupils involved.

In just the 14-Senior age groups we have had a phenomenal 220+ boys participating in five games sessions, 10 turnouts and up to 15 fixtures every week, emphasising the focus held by Mr Richards and Mr Clarke on participation.

My focus has been on building up intensity on the core values of rugby that lay the foundation of elite performance both on and off the field. Hard work, discipline and respect have been at the cornerstone of all sessions and I believe we will start to see the fruits of this labour, in both the short and long term, not only on the field, but also in the classroom and at home. I have a strong belief that whilst rugby is a game for pure enjoyment we can use it as a vehicle for pupils to develop tremendous character serving them in all parts of their lives. Better people make better rugby players.

The 1^st XV have been a great example of this with the hard work they have put in earning them the reward of an outstanding season. They indeed are a very special group. Averaging over 35 points a game the young men have played some breath-taking rugby from 1-15. Their determination to improve in all facets made each session we had together a pleasure. Having the privilege of seeing them turn out magnificent performances from an internal perspective brought all the staff involved pure joy. The only sadness I have is only having had a single term with them, but what a term it was. I rest assured that the experience they have had will ensure that they will not only look back fondly at their time at Caterham but that they will continue to reap the rewards that the game can afford them for ever more. I thank them for the example they have set for the younger boys in the program to follow. 

Special mention to both Jude and Jonathan (Upper Sixth) for earning A League team status for Wasps and Harlequins respectively and also Fin (Fifth Year) playing up an age group and continuing his journey with Harlequins.

Beneath this group we now have an energetic, motivated and determined cohort ready to follow in their footsteps. The 14, 15 and 16 age groups led by Mr Clarke, Mr Crombie, Mr Taylor et al, have turned a corner, discovering just what it takes to be successful. The hard work they are putting in now will ensure the current 1^st XV legacy not only lives on but goes from strength to strength.

Caterham Rugby has a very solid foundation. Now is the time to take it to another level.