Norwich School has a long and proud tradition of playing rugby at all levels. Rugby is a dedicated timetabled sport for all junior pupils (Year 7 and Year 8) and becomes optional moving higher up the school. Touch rugby is also an option at all ages. In the Lent Term we shift to an optional Rugby 7’s programme for Year 9 and above. We have dedicated pitches at the Lower Close and our Redmayne Playing Fields on the Norwich Walsham Road. We also have 2 performance gymnasiums.

 

The fixtures circuit varies year on year but in the 2024 season, there are currently 163 Senior School rugby fixtures scheduled. Our teams play regular fixtures against local schools including Gresham’s School, Beeston Hall School, Glebe House Prep School, Town Close Prep School and Wymondham College. In addition, we have a busy schedule of wider regional and national fixtures against opponents including The Leys, The Perse, Royal Hospital School, St Joseph’s School, Ipswich School, Finborough School, Framlingham College, Felsted School, Gravesend Grammar School and Samual Whitbread Academy.

 

During the 2023/24 rugby season players went on tour to Denstone College, the Merchiston Rugby Festival in Edinburgh and the Rosslyn Park 7’s Tournament. Notable successes included pupils playing for local and national clubs including Norwich Rugby Club, North Walsham Rugby Club and the Leicester Tigers Training Academy. Although we don’t currently play girls rugby, Year 13 pupil, Ava deCooper Wride was also selected to represent Saracens U18 Rugby.

Sports News

East Anglian Cross Country League

By Eleanor Lewis • January 10, 2026
Saturday 10 January saw the first round of the East Anglian Cross Country League, where 15 of our runners took to Gresham's muddy woods and exposed fields to race runners from Ipswich School, RHS and Gresham's. In the Junior Boys' race Joshua Bevan was our first runner home, finishing in 3rd place, while Henry Drew came 6th. We had strength in numbers in the Senior Boys' race and took 3rd, 4th , 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th positions! Leon Liu was fastest on the day, followed by Ethan Buskell in 4th and Jeremy Lo in 5th. Leo Pitt, Edward Lott, George Yiasimi and Tom Copley completed the strong team performance. The performance of the day came in the Senior Girls' race where, after some very bunched racing in the first half, Ruby Ivie emerged from the woods with an unassailable lead to win outright despite racing girls many years her senior. We took the top 5 places with Bea Green coming 2nd, Minnie Andrews 3rd, Amelie Ivie 4th and Izzy Last 5th. An extremely strong team performance was completed by Olivia Allen who came home in 8th place. This season promises to bring some silverware and we look forward to our next fixture this Saturday at Mousehold Heath. Saturday's fixture is open to any runner, in any year group. You do not have to be doing cross country for games to compete. If you are keen and available to run at Mousehold this coming Saturday afternoon do get in touch with Mr Hudson for more details. Sixth Form helpers are needed so please consider volunteering if available.

Norfolk County Cross Country Championships

By Eleanor Lewis • January 8, 2026
The Norfolk County Cross Country Championships were held at Earlham Park, Sunday 4 January. The event includes races for different age groups, with U11s running 2.1km, U13 running 3.1km, U15 running 4.5km and U17s running 6km. This event was a great opportunity for athletes of all ages to compete and showcase their skills in cross country running. All pupils did exceptionally well all whilst braving the frosty weather! The following pupils took part; U11 Girls - Agatha, U3 - 1 st place U11 Boys - Seb, U3 - 2 nd place U13 Girls - Emi Muntingh, U4 - 1 st place and now invited to take part in the London Mini Marathon in April! U15 Girls - Ruby Ivie, M5 - 6 th place U17 Girls - Beatrice Green, L6 - 6 th place U17 Girls - Olivia Allen, L6 - 9 th place Congratulations to all!

Rugby Round Up at the End of Michaelmas 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025
It has been an excellent term for Norwich School rugby, with all squads showing clear development, strong teamwork, and impressive determination. The junior teams enjoyed a highly successful season, including standout wins and an unbeaten U13A campaign. Across both age groups, players demonstrated growing confidence, cohesion, and attacking flair. Our inter squads showed real character, with the U14s and U15s producing notable victories and displaying resilience throughout a challenging fixture list. The U15A County Cup triumph was a particular highlight. Among the seniors, both the 1st and 2nd XV worked tirelessly despite disruptions. The 1st XV delivered several outstanding performances, including a memorable last-minute victory over Gresham's. We also thank our departing Upper Sixth players for their leadership and commitment. Overall, it has been a term marked by progress, pride, and exceptional team spirit across the whole rugby programme.
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