Rugby

Rob Clarke

Term: Autumn

Teams: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, U16AB, U15ABC, U14ABC, U13AB, U12AB

Caterham has an excellent reputation in school's rugby and is renowned for producing skillful, fast paced teams, that play fluid and entertaining rugby. Caterham rugby continues to flourish under Head of Rugby, Rob Clarke and his team of coaches. The coaching staff have a wealth of experience, ranging from mini rugby through to National League rugby. The pupils at Caterham are given high class sessions that develop skills in all areas of the game. With excellent staff numbers on games sessions, coaches are free to work on positional specific skills and video analysis is used to identify and address weaknesses in pupil performances.

Caterham benefits from a link with two professional clubs, London Irish and London Wasps. These links see these clubs' academy coaches visiting the school every day, which enables every pupil that plays rugby to benefit from these outstanding sessions. Caterham also enjoys other benefits from these links such as; training camps, discounted tickets and pupils being invited pitch side on match days. Additionally, professional players visit the school regularly. Former England scrum half, Paul Hodgson, has conducted a number of skills sessions at the School in recent years.

Caterham also enjoys a close link with Harlequins RFC. At present the school has three players in the Quins School of Rugby, a programme in which Head of Rugby, Rob Clarke, is involved. Our links with these professional clubs provide a clear player pathway from schoolboy rugby to the very top of the professional game.

The school also has links with a number of local clubs, one of which is Esher RFC. Through this link Esher 1st XV front row, David Millard, is in charge of the Caterham 1st XV forwards.

While pupils are encouraged and pushed to reach their potential, the main goal of fun and enjoyment is always at the forefront. The coaching team is committed to giving all players a positive experience of rugby and introducing pupils to the sportsmanship and camaraderie that are so prevalent in the game.

Rugby players are becoming more and more athletic with speed, power and strength becoming important pre-requisites for success. With this in mind we operate early morning fitness sessions with access to the free-weights gym. Under the watchful eye of the schools specialist strength and conditioning coach detailed fitness programmes are given to the pupils and regular fitness testing occurs for the older pupils.

Caterham rugby players are fortunate to play on some of the finest school boy pitches in the country. There surely can't be a finer surface than Home Field and the stunning surroundings of the Caterham Valley make it an unbeatable setting for rugby.

There is a long tradition of rugby tours at Caterham. The recent tour to Hong Kong, New Zealand and Los Angeles was a huge success. The school were fortunate to play against Wesley College whose alumni include Jonah Lomu and Sitiveni Sivivatu. The rugby was tough but the Caterham boys managed to produce the best haka that Wesley had ever seen (from an English team).

With all that is needed to help players develop to their potential, it is little wonder that many Caterham rugby players represent their county and go on to have successful rugby careers at university.

The school always performs well in the Daily Mail Cup and has a strong reputation in 7's rugby, including the National Tournament at Rosslyn Park.

Further information on Caterham rugby can be found at the schools page at www.schoolsrugby.co.uk and sport at the school can be followed on Twitter @CaterhamSport

News

Caterham School Win Dick Woodall Memorial Sevens Tournament 13 03 14

Caterham School U15 Squad Win the Shield Trophy in Surrey Schools Rugby Sevens 13 03 08

Second Year - invitation to join Old Cats RFC - 13 01 25

Rugby Tour to Dubai - October 2013

Rugby Tour to Dubai - October 2013 - initial letter 12 12 18

Junior Rugby Awards Evening on 11 December 2012

Caterham School U14 Rugby Player Selected for Surrey Squad 12 11 15

First Year - Rugby Masterclass on 25 November 2012

Caterham School Pupil Joe Percival Selected for Surrey U16 Rugby 12 10 18

First & Second Year - Changes to Rugby Fixtures on 6 October

Rugby at Caterham School with London Irish RFC & Summer Camp - letter