Two sessions into his role with our 1st XV, and Old Bedfordian Fraser Dingwall (13-17) has already brought a fresh perspective to a talented squad eager to push itself to new levels.
As current Northampton Saints captain and England international player, Fraser’s arrival has given boys rare access to someone performing at the highest level of the game today to help unlock the potential that already exists within the group.
Having spent time observing training and getting to know the group, Fraser has been impressed by what he has seen. “There is a lot of talent in this Bedford School squad, a lot of boys with incredible talent.” His focus, he says, is on helping that talent shine when it matters most, ensuring players have the confidence and understanding to perform under pressure.
For the boys, the opportunity to learn from someone currently playing professional rugby is invaluable. Beyond technical skills and tactical awareness, Fraser offers a unique perspective on what it takes to progress through the game and compete at the highest level.
Our 1st XV captain, Will, has already seen the benefits and told us, “It’s great because all the boys believe in what he’s saying. It’s great to have that in-depth knowledge and be able to ask questions.”
Those questions have become a key part of Fraser’s sessions. Players are able to draw directly on his experiences in elite rugby, gaining insights that go beyond the training ground and into mindset and leadership – a subject Fraser is particularly passionate about. When assessing a young captain, he looks beyond rugby ability to the qualities that create trust and respect within a team.
“Communication, respect, honesty and accountability all make for a strong leader.”, Fraser explained.
Those are characteristics he believes Will demonstrates well, and qualities that Fraser hopes all members of the squad will continue to develop throughout the season. The discussions have not been solely focused on rugby either. Fraser’s journey from Bedford School boy to professional player has given him a valuable perspective on life beyond the game. Looking back, his advice to his 17-year-old self is simple but powerful: enjoy school and make the most of every opportunity – Fraser is keen to remind players that while striving for excellence is important, enjoying the journey matters just as much.
That balance between ambition and enjoyment has become a defining theme of these early sessions. While attention to detail, high standards and continual improvement are all important, Fraser believes players perform at their best when they genuinely love what they are doing.
As training concluded, he left the squad with a message that neatly summed up his philosophy,
“Most importantly, enjoy rugby. You can get very caught up in wanting it all to be perfect, but the most important thing is that you have fun.”
For a squad with high aspirations and plenty of potential, it is advice worth listening to. Just two sessions in, Fraser’s influence is already being felt, not only through the technical knowledge he brings from the professional game, but through the values and perspective he is sharing with the next generation.
As the partnership develops over the coming months, Bedford School’s players will continue to benefit from learning alongside someone who has successfully navigated the journey they aspire to follow. More importantly, they will learn that success in rugby is about far more than what happens on a Saturday afternoon. It is about leadership, character, continual growth and never losing sight of why you started playing the game in the first place.
