Rugby at Bedford
“Whatever their achievements in other pursuits, the chief pride and glory of Bedfordians lies in their football.” Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News (1934) Bedford School Rugby has a long and impressive history. Records suggest that the first team to represent the school, took the field in 1870 and the familiar red jerseys of the 1st XV are mentioned as far back as 1881. Altogether, 18 Internationals, 4 British Lions, 30 Barbarians, 22 Oxbridge Blues and countless Schoolboy Internationals, have been produced by the school.
The XV have recorded 32 unbeaten seasons and during the last seven, 79 out of 109 games have been won, on a circuit which includes schools such as Dulwich, Harrow, Oundle, Uppingham, Wellington, Warwick and Rugby. The 2009 XV became only the fourth team in the history of the school to win every game. The Under Fifteen team have been Daily Mail National champions in 1995 and 2006. The National Sevens title has also been won on two occasions, with the current Lower 6th runners-up in the Under 16 event last season.
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Many recent Old Bedfordians can be found plying their trade in professional Rugby, notably 2007 Rugby World Cup Finalist Andy Gomarsall (Leeds and England), a key member of the unbeaten XV of 1992, David Callam (Scotland and Edinburgh Gunners), Captain of the unbeaten 2000 XV and Will Skinner (England XV, England Sevens, Captain of England Saxons and Harlequins), Captain of the 2001 team. James Ingle the Captain of the 2008 XV is a current full time player at Northampton Saints and made his first team debut against the Ospreys this season.
Rugby is the major game for the Christmas term, with practise on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons and fixtures on a Saturday. The School runs: five senior teams, four Colts teams, five Under 15 teams and five Under 14 teams, and there is an opportunity for all boys to play at a suitable level. Professional coaches are employed to assist the School staff, with the over-riding emphasis placed on individual skill development and enjoyment. The 1st XV players also take a 'Position Specific Session' with all the other age groups every week of the Christmas term.
Sevens is played as an extra-curricular sport in the Easter Term at Colts and Senior level. And in the last two seasons several regional tournaments have been won by both age groups.
A Sports Psychologist is on hand to assist individuals and teams and Mr. Charlie Palmer (PE and Biology) designs and monitors the conditioning programmes of all the boys. Medical back-up is provided by former England Under 21 physiotherapist Philip Duffel.
Representative rugby is encouraged and supported, and during recent seasons alone, there have been numerous East Midlands and Midlands players, as well as 13 Schoolboy Internationals, the most recent being 1st XV fly-half Jamie Elliott who played for England Under 18 against Australia Schools in December 2009. Tours occur on a regular basis, with the 1st XV and Under 16 squads visiting Australia in 2010 (see tour report below).
In Partnership with Northampton SaintsThe link with Northampton Saints continues to go from strength to strength with close involvement taking place between the Club and the School in a number of areas. 2008 1st XV Captain James Ingle is a full time player at the club and several of the current 1st XV played for the senior 2nd XV (Wanderers) in the Guinness A league triumph last season. Other current 1st XV players are currently part of the Junior Saints (Under 18) Academy squad. There are also players in each age group who attend the England Player Development Group and ‘Schools of Rugby’ sessions at the Saints. |
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Read the full history of Bedford Rugby
1st XV 2009 Season Highlights
Click here to read aout the 2009 season
The Bedfordshire Schools Cup 2009
The Hampson Cup 2009
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