February 12th 2025
Roundup from our Director of Sport, Lee Chaffey
As we bring the curtain down on another fantastic rugby season at Moulsford, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the boys for their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment. This season has been an incredible journey, with the school participating in over 276 fixtures – a remarkable achievement that highlights the depth and strength of our rugby programme.
We have witnessed tremendous success across all age groups, not only in terms of victories but also in participation and learning. The boys have demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship, all of which have contributed to their development both on and off the pitch. The school proudly competed in the IAPS tournaments at Under 11 and Under 13 level, further showcasing our competitive spirit and passion for the game.
Throughout the season, our teams have taken part in a variety of tournaments, festivals, triangulars, and quadrangulars, providing them with invaluable experience and opportunities to develop their skills. We have also had the pleasure of welcoming eight different senior schools to Moulsford to officiate fixtures, strengthening our relationships within the wider rugby community.
At one end of the spectrum, the Under 8s embarked on their rugby journey, embracing the ‘two-handed touch’ format, while at the other, the Under 13s concluded their time at the school with a fitting finale – breathtaking wins against Papplewick away. These moments encapsulate the spirit of sport at Moulsford, where every step of the journey is celebrated and valued.
Measuring success in sport is always subjective. We can look at participation, enjoyment, match results, and playing time, and by all these measures, this season has been a resounding success. I have received numerous compliments from opposing schools, praising our pupils’ attitude and performance, while senior school Heads of Rugby and Directors of Sport have spoken highly of the quality of our rugby programme. This is a testament to the culture we have created, where every boy is encouraged to push themselves, enjoy the game, and represent the school with pride.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our outstanding coaching team. Their commitment to daily training sessions, match-day preparation, tactical insights, and constant support for the boys has been exceptional. From driving minibuses to offering invaluable feedback, their efforts ensure the continued success of rugby at Moulsford.
Equally, a huge thank you must go to those working tirelessly behind the scenes. Our magnificent grounds team, who begin their work before dawn on a Monday, have ensured that our pitches remain among the very best on the circuit. The kitchen staff have played an unsung but essential role, fuelling the boys before games with pasta-based delights on Wednesdays and providing fantastic post-match catering, including pizzas, doughnuts, sausage rolls, and the occasional Cornish pasty!
A special mention to our transport provider, Plastows, and our site team for their excellent organisation of travel logistics. Kevin, from Plastows, has become a familiar face on the touchlines, offering words of wisdom to boys he knows from the morning bus runs!
Our media team, Mr Corbett and Mr Sheppard, have also contributed greatly to the match-day experience. Their social media updates, dining room displays, match photography, and ever-popular match day programmes (complete with QR codes) have helped bring the rugby season to life and foster a strong sense of community.
To the parents, thank you for your unwavering support. Your willingness to travel across counties, stand on touchlines in all weathers, and cheer the boys on has been invaluable. Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and it has been fantastic to see such strong support at each game.
Finally, to the boys – thank you. Sport is at the heart of life at Moulsford, and you have embraced every challenge with determination and enthusiasm. Whether in rain or shine, you have shown a real passion for rugby, wearing the school shirt with pride and always giving your all on the pitch.
I look forward to welcoming everyone back after half term as we turn our focus to our next sporting adventures in hockey and rugby.
