Spotlight on Rugby
Professional and International Level Rugby Coaching
Providing all of our students with the opportunity to participate in regular competitive fixtures against other local schools, Rugby at Woodbridge School focuses on providing students with the right level of challenge, provoking a passion and love for the game as well as the chance to improve and excel. Over the past two seasons we have hand-picked our fixtures in order to provide students with the best development and progress opportunities, moving away from a block fixture model. This ensures that all players get the best experience possible. Both boys and girls play Rugby at Woodbridge School as we offer Girls Rugby as a co-curricular activity to ensure the sport is accessible to all.
With so many skills to learn in the game, each week students have several opportunities to come to train and practice Rugby skills. With committed staff, enthusiastic about helping students to progress as individuals as well as part of the team, we provide students with the chance to improve their play as well as discuss their training, game, techniques – they have the chance to discuss anything and everything about Rugby. We recognise that being able to ask questions and seek help, support or assistance is key to improvement as a player.
Consistency and patience are also key considerations for young Rugby players, and so is being open to feedback. Rugby is a sport with many dimensions and skills that are required in order to play the game, and that is exactly what we provide in School.
As well as participating in Rugby throughout games in School, students also have access to Rugby via lunchtime practices as well as our performance programme where those identified receive additional position-specific strength and conditioning work to support their ambition to become the best they can be at the sport.
The Rugby programme runs throughout Michaelmas and into Lent term, from September to April each year. During Michaelmas term, XV Rugby takes place, focusing on tactical and team development. Throughout Lent term technical development continues, alongside 7s Rugby for applicable age groups.
With competitions and special events taking place throughout the season, we’re regulars at Rosslyn Park RFU Nation 7s Rugby Competition. All fixtures played are carefully selected based on the ability of the age group playing. We made the decision to move away from the traditional block fixture model to create a more competitive environment, suitable for our ability level(s). By doing this, we have enhanced enjoyment whilst still providing that competitiveness required to challenge each individual.
Reinforcing and complementing our team of Rugby coaches in School, we also hold connections with a number of Rugby Clubs, including being the main sponsor of Woodbridge RFU Youth Section, Woodbridge Warriors, as well as a continued partnership with Northampton Saints Rugby Club which benefits our School and students through exclusive coaching opportunities, visits to Franklin Gardens, matchday support and visits throughout the School year from team players. Students also play for their own clubs, such as Woodbridge Warriors, Colchester RFC and Southwold.
Rugby coaches at Woodbridge School include experienced and current National League players, offering our students not only insight into the professional world of Rugby, but encouragement, support and motivation to develop and progress in the sport.
Jamie Gage, Head of Rugby
Having begun playing Rugby at the age of 18, Jamie continued to play throughout university for the Sale Sharks ASSE Academy. Having played National 2 Rugby with The Preston Grasshoppers as well as a wealth of UK Rugby experience, Jamie has also played overseas for Brisbane, Australia’s East Tigers and The Dallas Harlequins in Texas, USA.
Jamie most recently played for Bishops Stortford, before retiring from playing to focus on coaching and refereeing. Holding an RFU Level 2 in coaching, Jamie brings a wealth of skill and experience to our students, having also coached The Lancashire U13s, Saracens’ Development Camps and Club Rugby from Tag to Colts.
Jamie shared,
“My love for Rugby came at a late age really; I’d always been a keen Footballer, choosing to pursue a career in the sport. But when I reached the age of 18 I realised football wasn’t what I loved anymore, and I wanted a new challenge. My younger brother played Rugby for our local team in Braintree, and it was the combination of watching him play combined with how much I enjoyed playing the sport at school that made me decide to give Rugby a try. I turned up to one training session and never looked back – I was hooked!”
Talking further about his inspiration he said,
“I have been incredibly lucky in that I’ve been coached by some excellent people throughout my career, from Steve Gough, Warren Spragg and Dan Orwin at Myerscough College, to the coaches at Preston Grasshoppers when I moved to university and Ian Simpson and his team at Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club. Throughout the years I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had these people invest time to help me become the player I am today. I’ve also always been the kind of person that spend time doing extras, asking questions and watching players who were better than me, either professionally or at club level – this is what encourages, motivated an inspired me to work hard to become a better play and I think it’s an important part of development for young players.”
Believing firmly that Rugby isn’t just a sport and that it’s a way of life, certainly at least for him, Jamie added,
“The people you meet become friends for life, the lessons you learn and memories you make you will remember and treasure forever. The core values of Rugby instil great discipline and respect, not only from your teammates but also from others.”
Believing that children/students should experience playing as many sports as possible he continued,
“From my own experience of starting to play Rugby later in life, I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the opportunities, friendships and inclusivity that Rugby and other sports can offer – regardless of ability. It isn’t and shouldn’t always be about winning, although clearly a huge part of playing competitively, there’s so much more that Rugby can offer our young players.”
Looking to the future, to continuing to motivate, encourage and support students in School to improve, develop and enjoy Rugby, Jamie feels strongly that anyone wishing to play should do just that,
“If you’re interested in learning more about Rugby, take time to learn about the sport, watch games, players – and give it a go’! We have a wide range of abilities in School, of all age groups, and those players are always accommodating to new players of all levels. As teachers, we love nothing better than to see new faces at co-curricular Rugby clubs, and welcome people to come and play in our teams. It could be the best decision you make!”
You can read more about Rugby at Woodbridge School at woodbridgeschool.org.uk/sport/rugby/.
