Clifton College rugby plays a huge role in the development of all pupils that take part.
The programme has a level and form of the game appropriate for all. This allows all to experience the broader opportunities that rugby brings to aid the development of our pupils.
Pupils play fixtures every week and we believe that playing opportunities that are relevant and appropriate to each pupil’s level is what really develops the character of our students.
Those students who wish to excel and perform at rugby play on one of the hardest circuits in schools rugby with fixtures against Sedbergh, Llandovery, Harrow, Wellington, Hartpury, Millfield and Blackrock from Dublin.
Equally for those that wish to experience rugby at a participation level there are bespoke fixtures that allow pupils to develop their confidence in the game. Those that are new to the game can find a staged approach to learning the game with gradual increase in the intensity and physicality as the term progresses.
Girls Rugby 7s has developed hugely at Clifton over the past 5 years. Both our U16 and U18 sides compete at the Rosslyn Park Sevens. We also host one of the largest girls sevens festivals in the country. The programme gives all girls the opportunity to experience rugby and to represent the College in one of its most historical sports.
Coaching and team leads are delivered through a traditional model of enthusiastic teaching staff, however, all year groups are supported by a significant number of high level rugby coaches either internal or external. The role of these coaches is to not only coach the pupils but to help develop and upskill current teaching staff so that all our teams have access to modern, appropriate and safe coaching practice.
This coaching structure allows all to experience the personal development that playing rugby can bring and makes sure that each and every one of our pupils can enjoy and benefit from rugby in a safe and challenging environment.
The Clifton College rugby programme has been the biggest step in my rugby development career thus far. The coaches here have taught me time management, leadership and team-oriented skills which have positively impacted all aspects of my school life.
Aidan B., 1st XV Centre and Wales U18s & 20s
