Writes Edd Conway, Director of Rugby
Within the rugby programme at Merchant Taylors’, much is made of creating lasting connections and shared experiences – values that come to life every year during Rugby Week. This annual celebration of sport culminates in the Friday Night Lights match, a flagship fixture for the 1st XV, but it also begins with something just as special: the Barbarians event, where the next generation of young players get their first taste of rugby at Taylors’.
This year’s Barbarians tournament brought together 96 young rugby players from local schools and clubs – including Chesham Prep, Gayhurst School, St John’s Northwood, Harrow RFC, Ruislip RFC, Chess Valley RFC, Fullerians RFC and Pinner RFC – for a lively round-robin competition played under the early evening sky. The event captures everything that makes rugby unique: teamwork, fun, and a sense of belonging.
For many of our senior players, Rugby Week has come to symbolise the full circle of their sporting journey. James D. (U6th), current 1st XV Captain, reflected on his own beginnings under the floodlights:
“My first experience of Rugby Week was in 2018, when Josh, Ethan and I played in the Barbarians match – mixed teams made up of players from different schools. It was my first taste of rugby at Merchant Taylors’. After our game, we sat together and watched the 1st XV play Reading Blue Coat. Rugby Week has created memories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime – from those early games under the lights with friends to playing my final Friday Night Lights as captain, alongside Josh and Ethan as vice-captains, eight years later.”
That sense of connection is exactly what Director of Rugby Mr Edd Conway aims to foster through events like these:
“Many of our 1st XV players began their journey in the Barbarians fixture when they were younger. This year, it was a joy to recreate an old photo of James D. and Josh N. – now Captain and Vice-Captain – who both first stepped onto the pitch together during that event years ago. Rugby Week really does create moments and memories that last a lifetime.”
From their first passes in the Barbarians tournament to their final games under the floodlights, the boys’ journeys are a testament to the enduring friendships and shared experiences that define rugby at Merchant Taylors’.
Long may Rugby Week continue.
