A comment on the upcoming 2019 season

The St Bede’s College Rugby Club has had a busy start to the year. We have seen many new initiatives launched at St Bede’s, such as the strength and conditioning programme in which training groups (specific boys of all ages) have spent mornings in the gym preparing for the season ahead. This fantastic programme has been overseen by S&C trainer Mark Vanner. The International Rugby Programme is also “back home” and in full flight on campus. It’s exciting to see boys and girls from all around the world who share an interest in our national sport. We have also just launched the Venerables Supporters Club, a group of old boys and parents who wish to support the College’s rugby teams. I would like to encourage our supporters to consider joining.

The 2019 1st XV has been named, so congratulations are due to all the boys selected. We have an exciting season ahead as we look to build upon our 3rd place finish last year. The team has a good number of players returning, as well as some new faces. 

During the holidays we embarked on our “Northern Tour”. We played a traditional match against St Patrick’s Town in Wellington on the 23 April and a warm-up game against Francis Douglas in New Plymouth. This tour aims to develop us as rugby players and to prepare the team for the upcoming UC Championship. This year the 1st XV will start a new traditional fixture in June when we play last year’s national champions, St Peter’s. I know all the boys are looking forward to testing themselves against the best.

In closing, I would also like to add a massive thank you to all the sponsors who continue to support St Bede’s College Rugby Club. The members of the 2019 1st XV are hugely grateful to everyone who has contributed time and effort to creating the foundation of what we are sure will be a memorable season.