Brentwood Rugby: A force to be reckoned with

Brentwood School is celebrating its most successful rugby season ever, not only establishing itself as a force in Essex school rugby, but breaking the school’s centuries old sporting records in the process.

The school’s 1st XV Rugby squad capped off a ground-breaking season on Wednesday clinching the Essex U18 Cup playing with heart, spirit and skill to lift the trophy for only the second time in the school’s history.

A lively crowd was treated to a fantastic match with excellent displays of school boy rugby from Brentwood and opponents, Southend High School for Boys, including some outstanding phases of play. Ovie Jeyibo was awarded man of the match after scoring five tries in a final which ended 47-29.

Despite reaching a number of Essex U18 Cup finals, Brentwood School last lifted the coveted prize in 2013. Master i/c Rugby, Will Castleman, said: “It was a fantastic overall team effort from all the boys. Their hard work and 6am gym sessions certainly paid off.”

Other highlights in a season of firsts included the U16 squad lifting the Essex 7s crown and the U16 Essex County Cup for the first time in Brentwood School memory.

A very proud Mr Castleman, said: “This year has been the most successful rugby season ever for Brentwood School winning a total of nine trophies. It has been a remarkable effort from all the boys from U12 all the way through to U18.

“We have several players in all the year groups who represent Essex and Saracens, and our rugby is growing from strength to strength. We are one of a few Saracens Partnership schools who offer the opportunity to students in the wider community and across Essex to train and play at Brentwood School.”

The haul of 2021-22 silverware includes:

U12 Essex 7s Plate (runners up);

U14 Essex 7s Plate (winners);

U15 Essex 7s (semi-finalists);

U15 Essex County Cup (runners up);

U16 Essex 7s (winners);

U16 Essex County Cup (winners);

U18 Christ Brecon 7s Bowl competition (winners);

U18 Essex 7s (winners);

U18 Essex County Cup (winners).