Joining the King’s rugby programme in Year 7, all the boys will participate during Games lessons and in after-school practices (at their discretion) where they learn the crucial skills and off-pitch values that are fundamental to rugby union. This is the beginning of our BLUEprint and where our players begin to LOVE the game. We run three teams U12A, B and C, often with 45+ players competing in fixtures across the North of England and Midlands.
In Year 8 all boys have the opportunity to tour Cardiff, Wales and we hope they aspire to still be committed and involved, which will allow them to go on the larger Senior Tour in Year 11 or 12. The most recent Senior Tour was in July 2023 (New Zealand & Malaysia) and the next is planned for 2025, to Australia, which it is hoped will coincide with the British & Irish Lions Tour. Previously King’s tours have visited Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil (2019) Australia & Singapore (2017), South Africa (2014) and Canada (2012).
We hope that every King’s rugby player is appropriately challenged throughout their time at the school as they begin to MASTER the game. Naturally, most players aspire to represent the 1st XV, which boasts arguably one of the most prestigious fixture lists in the North, across two terms (September-February). Regular block fixtures versus the likes of Sedbergh School, QEGS Wakefield and Northampton School for Boys make sure our players are tested but ultimately always aspire at the top end of the school to WIN the game.
King’s host a 1st XV Festival each September, which includes 20 of the best rugby schools from across the UK and Ireland and lower down the school, in March, the U12s, U13s, U14s & U15s host teams from across the country in the largest Seven-a-side tournament in the North (March). Each year the U13s, U14s, U16s and 1st VII visit the world’s largest rugby tournament; The Rosslyn Park VIIs and recently in 2023 were Vase Finalists, and have previously won The Bowl Competition (2016).
Whilst we are lucky to have had England U18s players within our ranks (2023) we are proud of every single player and whether representing the 1st XV or U12C we pride ourselves on passing on our love of the game, that will last a lifetime and we welcome former pupils back to watch a game at Derby Fields or even meet them around the world when on tour!
