2 February start for U16-U18s

With the 2020 Super Rugby season almost upon us, the first of St. Bede’s pre-season sessions are now only days away. On Sunday 2 February the two U16-U18 (senior school) groups will begin skill-training on the front field from 10:00am, with the U14-U15 (junior school) group commencing after school on Monday 17 February. Long-passing sessions open to all will run in the last 20 minutes of lunch-times on Tuesdays on the area that will become our No. 1 field during the season. Guest coaches will deliver specialist content after school to the senior group on Wednesdays and in March other specialist sessions will be organised.

This year we will lead into the season after carrying out a “Values session” for all players on 14 February at lunchtime in the PAC and a series of mental skills sessions, again, open to all, beginning after school on Wednesdays in March.

The International Rugby Programme commences on 23 March, bringing in around 20 boys and girls to play through our senior school teams or Marist Albion Women’s team.

1st XV coach Dwayne Prendergast comments: “Following on from a successful 2019 1st XV campaign, the pre-season is now about to re-ignite. In November a Senior Summer Development Group (SSDG) was created with a view to preparing the core of our the senior school teams for the 2020 season. From before the Christmas break the group of 37 boys has enjoyed a strength & conditioning programme created and controlled by Mark Vanner and is now about to switch focus towards this year's selection process. In February the SSDG will continue the S&C programme on three mornings a week and during the first month of the new school year we will start on-field skill-training twice a week. The group will then begin playing rugby in March as part of an ongoing trial process, with senior school squads being selected by mid-April. The UC Championship begins on 2 May.”

The good work on our systems that has occurred in the past two or three years sees St. Bede’s Rugby poised to launch into another memorable season. On behalf of the Rugby Committee, Chairman Ed Sparrow states: “We are extremely fortunate to have active committee members and the many staff involved in rugby at the College whose excellent contributions will make the 2020 a great season. Planning is well underway, including some new initiatives across the club. Thanks to all involved now and throughout the season - your contribution is always much appreciated. And we look forward to seeing you all on the sidelines”.