Writes Scott de Weymarn, Director of Rugby
Following the excitement of Rugby Week at the end of September, October has been another busy and rewarding month for rugby at Merchant Taylors’. Alongside a full fixture programme, the month has provided plenty of opportunities to celebrate the commitment of our players and the strength of the club.
The month began with our annual Barbarians Event, which brought Rugby Week to a fitting conclusion. Over 140 children from local prep schools and rugby clubs joined us at Flagstaff for an evening of rugby involving U9, U10 and U11 players. The atmosphere throughout the event was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many young players enjoying the game in a fun and welcoming environment.
Before the half-term break, we also enjoyed block fixtures against Shiplake College, Queen Elizabeth’s School Barnet, and St Albans School. These matches provided valuable opportunities for boys across all age groups to represent the school, challenge themselves against strong opposition and continue their development. While results varied, the effort and attitude shown throughout the month have been excellent.
The U15s also began their National Cup campaign. Although the opening fixture ended in defeat, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. The group now moves into the Bowl competition, where they will have another opportunity to test themselves and continue their progress this season.
One of the highlights of October has been the presentation of Gold-Topped Socks during our weekly sports meetings. These are awarded to players who have represented Merchant Taylors’ in 25 or more fixtures from Fourth Form onwards and recognise a significant contribution to the rugby club. Reaching this milestone requires years of commitment and dedication and it has been a pleasure to see a number of boys receive this well-deserved recognition.
October has also provided some excellent examples of the pathways available beyond Taylors’. We were delighted to see Old Merchant Taylors, Antony Poole and James Beeby, involved with Oxford University Rugby Club. Antony started against Leicester Tigers and was selected in the matchday squads for fixtures against Richmond and Harlequins, while James started against both Richmond and Harlequins.
I was fortunate enough to referee the Oxford University versus Harlequins fixture and it was fantastic to see both players representing the Dark Blues. For our current pupils, seeing former Taylors’ students competing at this level provides a tangible example of where hard work and dedication can lead. The relationship between Merchant Taylors’ School and Oxford University Rugby Club continues to grow, and we look forward to the opportunities it may create in the future.
After half term, we are also launching a new Rugby Social Club. Beginning on Thursday 5th November and running every other Thursday, the club will give pupils from all year groups the opportunity to watch professional rugby on the big screen while enjoying pizza and refreshments. We hope it becomes another enjoyable way for boys to connect through their shared love of the game.
Looking ahead, preparations will soon begin for one of the standout occasions of the season, our annual fixture against Merchant Taylors’ Crosby on Wednesday 16th December. There is still plenty of rugby to be played before then, but it is already an event that many players are excited about.
As we move into the second half of term, the weather may become colder and the pitches a little muddier, but there is still much to look forward to. Whether through local festivals, school fixtures, alumni success stories or celebrating the commitment of our current players, October has once again highlighted everything that makes rugby at Merchant Taylors’ so special.
