While we have left the 2023/24 rugby season behind, we have still seen plenty of rugby related activity this spring term, notably with some individual successes.
Upper Sixth Former Freddie Drake-Lee was recently thrilled to be selected to play for the Lambs Rugby club and in doing so has rediscovered his love for the game from a different perspective. The Lambs are a national team who were formed to create openings for boys to showcase their rugby skills at a representative level when they have been unable to do so due to other commitments or lack of selection opportunities.
The Lambs provided the perfect route for Freddie to take after five years with the Northampton Saints U18 Academy as he found the pressure of playing at semi-pro level fell away and this opened a lot of different opportunities that he would not have had otherwise.
Playing for the Lambs was one of these, and he loved the environment there after his very first trial. Freddie explained, “I loved the freedom that the coaches gave us to try anything and play from everywhere, similarly to the 1st XV at school. I feel like this suited how I want to play, fast and running from everywhere on the pitch. I also enjoyed playing with boys from all over the country who I’d played against for Bedford, all great players, some in similar positions having been released from academies.”
Many Old Bedfordians have played with the Lambs including OB Laurie Stredwick (17-22) and even captained by OB Alfie Orchard (13-18).
Freddie went on to say, “It means a lot to be selected for such a prestigious and unique squad, especially having seen framed shirts that belonged to OBs hanging in the Rec Centre. It makes you feel very proud to be following some very talented rugby playing OBs who have also been selected to go down that route.”
Upper Sixth Former Jonny Weimann (left) has recently been selected to play for the England U18 Development Camp. His coach and Director of Rugby Mr Hinkins said, “This is a well-deserved selection for Jonny who stands a good chance of being involved in the internationals.”
Jonny along with Upper Sixth Formers Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (who has recently recovered from an injury which saw him laid off for a long time), Ben Agbenu (right) and Rhys Harries represented the Northampton Saints earlier this week in the last league match before finals day. The Saints won and are now in the top tier final against Bath on Sunday – we wish the boys the very best of luck.