Rugby is played extensively at Foremarke Hall. Either as an alternative to hockey in the Lent term, in PE lessons, or even as an extra-curricular club, there are plenty of opportunities for pupils to get involved in rugby, while the keenest young players are able to train throughout the Michaelmas term in order to ensure thorough preparation for the start of the season.
The School competes at 1st XV level against established rugby schools, as well as taking part in 7s tournaments, giving Foremarke’s boys fantastic opportunities to play against experienced rugby players. Fixtures are played on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons as part of the School’s games calendar. The School boasts two pitches, portable floodlights and a floodlit astroturf which is fantastic for tag rugby.
Every boy is encouraged to fulfil his potential, and the coaching staff, all either current or former rugby players themselves, strive to instil a true enjoyment of the sport into each pupil. The benefit of rugby can also be seen off the pitch as self discipline, imagination, flair, organisation and respect developed through rugby are values from which pupils can benefit as they interact with their peers, and conduct themselves in the classroom.
The ultimate aim is to produce players ready compete when they make the transition to our senior school, Repton, who play regular fixtures against sides from Trent College, Shrewsbury and other established rugby playing schools. In doing so, players are encouraged to play an open, expansive game, concentrating on keeping the ball in hand and away from the contact area, resulting in high octane, quality rugby from our pupils.
This tactic has certainly proved successful, as in 2009-10, the 1st XV remained undefeated all season – a significant feat, and a signal of our intent for the coming seasons.