Harlequins rugby contracts for two Gordon's School students

Two Gordon’s School students have been signed up by Harlequins on contracts with their Academy. 

Caleb Ashworth and Tom Golder, who left the school in the Summer, will join ten other Academy players in the Harlequins senior squad ahead of the 2022/23 season. The two were among the first five DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) students to join Gordon’s Sixth Form under the school’s partnership with Harlequins, which began in 2020. The partnership provides a pathway for promising rugby players, allowing them to train in an environment similar to that of a professional player while receiving a first-class education. Both have played for the premier West London U18s Academy team.

For Tom, it’s been a meteoric rise. He had never played school rugby before his arrival at Gordon’s in the Sixth Form! As a child he joined Chobham Rugby Club who put him forward for Surrey County trials. And in his first match for Surrey the rugby player was spotted by Harlequins who in turn introduced to him Gordon’s Head of Rugby Chris Davies. Since joining Gordon’s Tom has played in the pinnacle of schoolboy rugby, the ACE League, and been part of the Harlequins Academy PDG, playing in the Academy U18s league this season. His performances in both led to his invitation to join the Wales U18s training camps earlier this year.

Caleb, whose sister was also capped for England rugby U18s and U20s, played rugby for his county and was invited to join the Harlequins Academy training sessions soon after arriving at Gordon’s. His performances in their league led to his invitation with the England U18 Training group and his first cap for England in their Six Nations game against France on 5th March.

The partnership between Harlequins and Gordon’s has benefitted grassroots rugby across the county. The two organisations work together to identify talented players and enable them to reach their potential both on and off the pitch. Selected students receive support regarding all aspects of their rugby – from strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists and physiotherapists to skills and game analysis. Off the pitch, they are receiving a first class education at this day and residential boarding school in Surrey, awarded Tes Boarding School of the Year for 2022.

They will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Academy graduates Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant and Joe Marler as they step into their first-year contracts, joining the full-time senior squad training set-up.

A delighted Caleb said: “I really appreciate the opportunity that Gordon’s School and the rugby programme has provided. The staff are extremely supportive in helping me become the best version of myself. From day one I felt a part of things at the school, despite joining in Year 12. I now look forward to moving things on to the next level.”

Head of Academy Chim Gale said: “We’re delighted to bring the next generation of Harlequins into the senior training environment. All 12 of these guys have been standout junior athletes for their schools, clubs, counties, Harlequins and international age grades and we’re excited to see them take the next step in their careers.

“We have seen within the senior team of late a trend of Harlequins Academy graduates taking their opportunities with both hands to become established Gallagher Premiership players and in some cases internationals. Players like Marcus Smith, Cadan Murley and Jack Kenningham are just three homegrown success stories to serve as inspiration for these players as they look to become established senior squad members.

“Of course, a mention must go to the huge contributions and support these players have had from their families, schools and clubs on their path to date. These talented young guys could not be where they are today without their guidance and support.”

Chris Davies, Head of Rugby at Gordon’s and former Fiji National Men’s 7 Skills Coach and Analyst, commented: “I am delighted that Caleb and Tom have been offered contracts with Harlequins. It is testament to their hard work both on and off the pitch. They are outstanding role models not only for our younger rugby players but other students in the school.

“When the partnership with Harlequins was launched two years ago, we promised it would provide a fantastic opportunity for talented players to progress in the game. This has been proved with the students coming through, some of whom have been selected to not only play for Harlequins, but their country.”

Gordon’s is holding its next rugby talent ID day in October for talented players looking to join the school in 2023. To find out more and book a place on it, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing?eid=3...