WHITGIFT School, an oasis of green in busy bustling Croydon, have always had a proud sporting tradition and that included a distinctly useful Rugby XV but in recent years it has become a real powerhouse feared around the country.
This is where the likes of Danny Cipriani, Elliot Daly, Marland Yarde and Harry Williams learned their trade, but frankly that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Other senior rugby players include wing Mark Foster once of Exeter, Tosh Masson, George Merrick, Stan South, Richard Thorpe, Adam Thompstone and Nev Edwards, while going back a little further there was classy full-back Chris Catling and utility back Gavin Thompson, England B internationals both.
Then there was Lawrence Okoye, a powerhouse forward during Daly and Yarde’s era and perhaps the biggest rugby prospect of all who gave rugby up to firstly break the GB discus record and compete at London 2012 before he moved to the USA to pursue an American Football career.
All-round sporting talent is commonplace at Whitgift, in fact it almost defines the school. Daly was an England U15 cricketer – a fast bowling all-rounder – while Cipriani was a talented footballer and cricketer. World Cup cricket winner Jason Roy, meanwhile, was a stand out at full-back who had to decide which sport to concentrate on and England opener Dom Sibley a classy fly-half.
Master in charge for the last 13 years has been former Wasps flanker Chris Wilkins, who although enjoying considerable success both at the start of his tenure and more recently warns against the ‘twin imposters’.
“We have been fortunate enough to produce some cracking players and teams over the years who have gone on to great things but that’s not how we assess what we have achieved.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.