Celebrating Further Rugby Success Stories

We are proud to be a nurturing ground for promising rugby talents, and indeed all sports taught across the College. 

Two Clifton College pupils, Aidan and Tom have recently signed contracts at Bristol Bears and Cardiff Rugby academies respectively, these are further success stories for our development of young players.  

Our commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, spirit and resilience lays the foundation for pupils like Aidan and Tom to thrive both on and off the field. Tom has recently been part of the Wales U18 squad at the Six Nations Festival in Italy. 

As standout players for the College, Aidan and Tom honed their skills, refining their technique and understanding of the game. Their success highlights the relationship between Clifton College and professional rugby clubs, in particular Bristol Bears. Our rigorous programme, state-of-the-art facilities, and emphasis on academic excellence create an ideal environment for aspiring athletes to flourish. In turn, the achievements of former pupils on the professional stage serve as inspiration for current and future generations of Clifton College rugby players.

Aidan and Tom’s achievements follow in the recent footsteps of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ioan Lloyd, who have made an impact on their clubs and national sides. With Immanuel recently being named Man of the Match in Exeter Chief’s Champions Cup win against Bath. 

Immanuel has also been nominated for the Men’s Performance Player Award at the Rugby Black List. The Rugby Black List Awards is designed to celebrate the Black community in rugby union and recognise achievements. We are incredibly proud of Immanuel in receiving this deserved nomination, and wish him the best of luck. 

The impact of our rugby programme extends far beyond the playing field. We believe that the knowledge and experience sport brings equips our pupils with invaluable life skills. Whether pursuing professional sport or embarking on further studies and employment, our alumni emerge as confident, well-rounded individuals poised to make meaningful contributions to a rapidly changing world.

As Aidan and Tom embark on the next chapters of their rugby journeys, their success serves as a reminder to the enduring legacy of our co-curricular excellence. Their achievements not only reflect our dedication to sporting greatness but also its impact on shaping the futures of our pupils. 

Matt Salter, Director of Rugby said: “It’s fantastic to see so many former pupils performing at a high level in rugby and to see the journeys of both Ioan and Immanuel unfolding at the highest level is very exciting. The legacy that they left behind has been and will be very impactful. Now many of our current pupils from Prep School to Sixth Form can believe in their dreams and that the College can give them the support they need to try and realise them. 

“A recent fantasy Six Nations league took place in the Prep School and the number of pupils that chose both Ioan and Immanuel really shows the impact that such talented role models can have. I do hope in a few years time they are adding Aidan and Tom to those teams too, we are also very excited for them as they begin their path in professional sport. Well done both.”