The rugby season has been one of tremendous progress and growing confidence across all year groups. The boys embraced the muddy winter conditions with enthusiasm, showing not only improving technical skill but also the real-world qualities we value so highly: teamwork, communication, resilience and courage.
Early in the term, the boys adapted impressively as rugby replaced football in sports sessions. Their developing understanding of contact, support play and defensive organisation was evident across fixtures. The U8s enthusiastically applied their thinking to understand the concept of running forward but passing backwards! The U9s gamely threw themselves into developing their tackling skills, whilst the U10s revelled in the increased contact that the ruck brought to the game. The U11s enjoyed playing contact rugby, with the introduction of kicking the ball, whilst others enjoyed the touch version of the game.
There were some great performances from all year groups. The U10s and U11s delivered some of the standout rugby of the season, particularly in their matches against Bishopsgate and Surbiton. The U11As achieved their first ever win over Surbiton, a result that reflected their growing belief, improved structure and excellent ruck work. One highlight of the term was the U11A team’s spirited display at the Surbiton 7s Festival, where they overcame setbacks, played with flair and earned deserved praise for their teamwork and determination.
The U10 teams recorded a series of strong wins, demonstrating superb handling, pace and defensive commitment. The U9As demonstrated their skill at the King’s House Festival, winning three out of their four games, whilst at the Caldicott Festival the U9Bs put on a great display, with tries aplenty in their four wins. In the U8s there were some high-scoring games throughout the season, and the A team proved themselves equal to their opponents in the Surrey Rugby Festival, drawing all their games.
From Year 3 to Year 6, the boys have shown that rugby at Hampton Prep continues to go from strength to strength.
