The 2023 season was one to remember! This can often be measured through performances, fixtures lists, participation and general smiles on faces after a muddy afternoon. However, in this case, a Friday early evening in the penultimate week of term under portable floodlights in -2 degrees, we saw more than 100 pupils train in preparation for their final fixture of the season. This spotlights the commitment pupils gave throughout the term towards their teammates and coaches and is testament to their character and resilience.

The Yearlings’ A, B, C and D teams had a season to remember. Playing 38 fixtures and only losing four in the process is a feat we have not witnessed for some time and highlights the depth throughout the year group. Huge congratulations go to all pupils and coaching staff and special mention to Mr Thomas Lambert and Mr Owen Williams and their Yearlings’ B team, who finished the season unbeaten.

The Junior Colts have been equally impressive recording fantastic results against the likes of Millfield School, Clifton College, Marlborough College, Rugby School and Monmouth School, with the A team making it through to the regional final in the National Cup against Radley College. The Colts battled hard throughout the season causing many upsets and improving game by game. An exciting lastminute score against Monmouth for the Colts’ B team and a resounding victory against Marlborough for the Colts’ A team are just two memorable moments!

The seniors, many of whom were playing for the last time this season, represented the school with distinction. A memorable Italy tour for the 1st and 2nd XV as well as victories against Monmouth and Abingdon School in the first half of term, showed the unity of both groups. The 3rd XV also played with passion and pride, performing in some fantastic matches against Clifton, Abingdon and Rugby, with their final outing on College Field.

The 1st XV retained the Parry Coombe Cup against Marlborough for the sixth successive year and reached the bowl final of the prestigious St Joseph’s festival beating the likes of Wellington College, Dulwich College and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield along the way. Perhaps the performance of the term for the XV was beating one of the best in the country, Millfield, for the first time in the school’s history. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be backed up in front of a bumper crowd at Kingsholm for the annual charity match against Sir Thomas Rich’s School, however the occasion and £11,800 raised for the National Star, outweighed any result.

A huge thanks to all the pupils and in particular the coaches, for what was a truly a memorable season. It would be remiss not to mention the medical staff, grounds team, catering and referees for their help across the term as without their assistance, we would not be able to run the Club.

Away from school and recognised for their performances throughout the season, it was great to see Ed Critchley, Josh Hansen and Ed Reed-Daunter represent Gloucester Academy. Well done to Ethan Jones and Charlie Hattam who also represented the Welsh and Scottish Exiles during the half term break.

Full Colours: Tom Unsworth, Ethan Jones, David Gamble, TJ Fanolua
Half Colours: Charlie Birch

Sevens

The U14, U16 and U18 sevens squads had a very busy Lent Term. With tournaments, triangular and training throughout the season it was an exciting time to be involved as we prepared for the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens.

The U18 and U16 squads were put through some gruelling sessions both on the pitch and in the gym which accounted for some success in fixtures against Millfield School, Wellington College and Clifton College as well as silverware at the Wycliffe Sevens.

All three teams produced some excellent sevens at the West of England Tournament in Taunton reaching the final stages. Special mention goes to the U14s who were runners up losing to Monmouth School in the final.

During the final week of term the three squads travelled to London to compete at the National Schools Sevens which hosts 800 schools and almost 10,000 boy and girl rugby players. The U18s produced their best run in recent years reaching the final eight from 254 schools. They produced some excellent displays against Samuel Whitbread Academy, Oundle School, Whitchurch High School, Dean Close School and Merchiston Castle School but unfortunately lost out to eventual winners Stamford School.

The U16s were equally successful reaching the latter stages of the competition in arguably the hardest age group of the tournament. Wins against Brighton College, Norwich School and King’s School, Macclesfield, were particular highlights but losing to Clifton College in the last 28 at the final hurdle was a bitter pill to swallow.

The U14s faced a difficult group in Berkhamsted School and Abingdon School but showed plenty of grit to almost sneak wins in both games after conceding early on. It was a great occasion for the boys first taste of the tournament and plenty to take forward in the upcoming years.

Huge thanks to Mr Nick Runciman, Mr Terry Fanolua and Mr Ollie Bunn for all their hard work throughout the term, making sure the pupils were engaged, prepared and creating long-lasting memories.

We look forward to the coming year!

Mr Olly Morgan