Rugby Union

Staff member in charge: Hadon Westerby

Rugby at St Bede’s is headed by an experienced Level II coach. Hadon has coached in NZ, the USA and the UK. He is also currently involved with Haywards Heath RFC and the Harlequins. Currently seven coaches ensure an excellent coaching ratio. RFU Coaching and Referee’s courses are run at the School in which both staff and students are regular participants.

Teams: Teams are run at all age groups (U14, U15, U16, U18), with provision made for all players to both learn, train and play the game. Trainings take place five days per week, with the opportunity to train both as a full side as well as taking part in unit specific days. Additional coaching and practice time is also well used, with Dartfish video analysis where appropriate.

Fixtures: St Bede’s plays competitive matches against top public schools such as Eton, Cranleigh, Eastbourne, Brighton, Hurstpeirpoint, Sutton Valence and Tonbridge. Teams also enter into the national Daily Mail Cup at both U18 and U15 level, and the Sussex County Cup at all age groups. The fixtures start in the Autumn term and continue into the Spring term. Touch Rugby is played in the summer.

Dress: Green and white hoped jerseys with black shorts

Notable achievements:

• Current student Rob Buchanan played in the 2007 England U16 Four Nations tournament, and continues to progress through the levels.
• Joe Govett, completed school in 2007 and plays for the Sussex County and Haywards Heath 1st XV.
• The School is well represented in the County sides, and in the Schools of Rugby program.