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

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.

Rowing Report

December 12, 2025
The Boat Club started the half term with the Seniors racing at the GB U19 Benchmark Head Race. With the rowers who had achieved the 2k ergo cut off, this was the first opportunity to show boat moving capabilities. Ellie Thwaites and James Howard pleaced 4th in their respective J17 Trialist category and Nicholas Conway won the J18 and overall event. For those not trialling, racing at a GB event gave them valuable experience. The Seniors then raced the inaugral Junior Fours Head of the River on the Tideway. With 2 boys crews and 2 girls crews facing some rather wet conditions, the Girls Coxed Four placed an excellent 6th place in J18 and the Boys Coxless Quad won the J18 event. The J15s and Seniors raced at Hampton Head (another damp day!) with the J15s placing well in their categories with other 40 crews in some events. Singles, Doubles and Quads were raced. The Seniors also raced a range of events, with a number of 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. There were wins for James and Nick in the Coxless Pair and for Ellie, Charlotte, Amelie, Jess and Darcy in the Coxed Four. The Boys and Girls 1st VIII s then raced at Wallingford Head, the first VIIIs race of the year- well done to all for a busy but successfull weekend of racing. Last weekend saw all the Boat Club race at our Invitational Yare Eights Head of the River. The J14s in an Octo and Quad demonstrated the great progress they have made since taking up the sport at the start of term. The 1st VIIIs (Boys and Girls) beat their respective UEA Eights. Ellie Thwaites, Nicholas Conway and James Howard have all acheived the 5k Ergo Score to progress through to the February GB U19 Trials.

Football Focus - End of 2025 Boys Season

By Eleanor Lewis • December 10, 2025
The 1 st XI enjoyed an unbeaten second half of term, finishing off with a solid set of statistics over the course of the season. Winning 5, losing 3 and 1 draw whilst scoring 22 goals in the process. The 2 nd XI came away with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats which is commendable following its reintroduction after a five year absence. The First XI experienced a mixed but encouraging season, with 5 wins 1 draw and 3 losses and many new faces being brought into the team. After starting off the season with an explosive 5–5 draw with the ONs, the team struggled through defeats to Perse and Kimbolton before bouncing back with a determined 1–0 win over Wymondham College. Momentum grew with a solid 3-1 victory against Gresham’s, despite a setback against Langley. The side finished the season impressively, beating Culford 3-1, dominating Ipswich High School 6-0, and a composed 2-1 win against Woodbridge to round off the season. Massive thanks to the U6 boys that played their final games this season, Ethan Buskell, James Moore, Joe Crotty, Sam Colman, Tom Chester, Ben Griffiths, Harry Philpott and Billy Faircloth. We look forward to the exciting future of Norwich School football as we try to build further next season. - Billy Faircloth (U6S) 1st XI Captain The 2nd XI had a positive year for football this year taking home an equal record after 2 wins,2 draws and 2 losses. There was a strong start to the season with a 3-2 win at home against The Perse which set morale high for the rest of the season. Then came a tough battle at Wymondham College and 2 consecutive draws – a complete stalemate at Gresham’s and at Langley which was relentlessly fought back and well deserved against a well-rounded team. A dip in form at Culford made everyone determined to finish the season on a high and in the final game of the season a strong 7-4 victory over Woodbridge sealed the season in upbeat spirit. - Alex Purling (L6B) 2nd XI Captain
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