Writes Edward Conway, Director of Rugby
As part of the partnership with Taylors’ and the University of Oxford Rugby Club, seventeen Lower Sixth pupils spent the day in Oxford at their Iffley Road ground. It was a fantastic opportunity to be coached by their Director of Rugby, Ian Kench, and Fergus Dick, one of their star players who recently played for England Students.
The boys did a skills session on the famous Iffley Road pitch with Ian and Fergus, looking at some contact skills before some passing and decision making. Next up was a gym competition, with the group split into four teams to compete against each other. Amos G. and Oscar W. impressed with dead hangs over three minutes long!
Lunch allowed the boys to chat and relax. We were joined there by OMTs Harry Bridgewater (who has just finished as Club President) and James Beeby, who is nearing the end of his first year. Harry and James joined in with our boys for a final thirty-minute high intensity game block.
We concluded with time in the pavilion to discuss life at Oxford, courses and colleges, the rugby programme and touring, career connections and more. It was a fantastic day and another positive step in the flourishing relationship between Merchant Taylors’ School and Oxford.
