Felsted celebrates rugby centenary at Allianz Park

Felsted School celebrated 100 years of rugby in December with a centenary match at Allianz Park against Bishop's Stortford College (BSC). It was an evening to remember with 34 boys playing and a great support network from pupils, parents and former Felstedians, ending in a win for Felsted.

Both schools fielded large squads, with a view to give as many boys as possible an opportunity to play in such a spectacular arena and celebrate the rugby heritage of both sides. After a strong start from BSC, a couple of early tries from Felsted helped to ease the pressure and a swap to many second team players only seemed to increase momentum, leading to a 42-7 win for Felsted.

Headmaster Mr Chris Townsend commented, ‘Rugby has been a big part of life at Felsted ever since a pupil vote (favouring rugby ahead of football) led to our first fixtures in 1918, and it continues to be one of our key sports. It was fantastic to celebrate this centenary with our friends at BSC, who were also our first opponents on the rugby field a hundred years ago.’

Felsted’s links with professional rugby continue to strengthen, from a partnership with Saracens and Northampton Saints RFC, to six current 1st XV boys involved in the Saracens U18 academy – the best representation they have from any school. Felsted’s Director of Rugby, ex Wasps RFC player Andrew Le Chevalier, also brings a wealth of experience to Felsted, encompassing the game as a whole across all ages.