Merchant Taylors’ School is proud to announce a new partnership with Oxford University Rugby Club – a collaboration rooted in shared academic ambition and sporting excellence, while building on our proud tradition of pupils progressing to Oxford.
We are particularly proud that four Old Merchant Taylors currently study and play rugby at Oxford, including Harry Bridgewater, who is serving as Club President and is on course to earn his fourth consecutive Blue in the Varsity Match. Their journeys demonstrate what can be achieved when intellectual curiosity and competitive drive are nurtured together.
An early example of the partnership in action saw a group of Merchant Taylors’ pupils visit Iffley Road in January to experience the Oxford environment first-hand. Beyond the match itself, they spent valuable time with current student-players, who shared insight into balancing the demands of university study with elite sport and offered practical advice on navigating the Oxbridge application process. Hearing directly from them brought real clarity about the standards required to succeed.
The partnership will provide sustained opportunities for our pupils: structured mentoring for Oxbridge applicants, regular access to university match days, shared coaching sessions that strengthen performance and connection across both programmes. There will also be opportunities to engage with the historic Varsity Matches, deepening their understanding of what it means to compete at that level.
Scott Hall, Commercial Adviser at OURFC and Women’s Coach, who oversees the Club’s partnerships, commented:
“We are delighted to be developing a strong partnership with Merchant Taylors’ School, focused on supporting students both academically and on the rugby field. Through this collaboration, we will offer mentorship for Oxbridge applicants, providing insight into university life and the application process, while also creating opportunities for students to experience OURFC match days at Iffley Road, including fixtures against Premiership opposition.
Our coaching team and players will deliver sessions at both Iffley Road and Merchant Taylors’ School, helping to develop skills and build connections between our programmes. We are also excited to welcome Merchant Taylors’ students to support our Varsity Matches and look forward to a partnership built on shared ambition and a passion for rugby.”
“What excites us most about this partnership is the opportunity it creates for our boys. It gives them meaningful exposure to the standards required to succeed at the highest level, both academically and on the field. Building closer links with Oxford’s players and coaches will help our pupils to raise their aspirations and prepare with greater clarity and purpose.”
This partnership reflects our commitment to helping every boy pursue excellence with confidence and purpose – encouraging high aspiration, resilience and a willingness to test themselves in demanding environments. We look forward to seeing this partnership deepen and deliver lasting value for our pupils.
