Rugby

Rugby Programme

Rugby at Chis and Sid has for many years been acknowledged as our ‘flagship sport’ and is highly respected within the Schools’ rugby community.

From September to February half-term, the school regularly fields up to thirteen teams on Saturday mornings, involving up to 250 boys, after which time, our age groups participate in Rugby Sevens, playing in County and National competitions.

The school has five Rugby pitches of differing sizes, allowing all of our age groups to participate in an area suitable to their respective needs. When our players do eventually reach the Senior Squad, they will have an opportunity to play on the 1st XV pitch, which is only marginally smaller than Twickenham!

During the Rugby season, our fixture list contains some of the top Rugby Schools in the South-East, such as Whitgift School and John Fisher School in Surrey, as well as Judd School and The Skinners’ School in Kent. Our 1st XV are always extremely competitive against these teams, winning against them all on a number of occasions and always representing the school with pride and passion. Enthusiastic 2nd and 3rd XV’s ensure that there is always competition for places and the spirit within the group ensures great support for the Captains and leaders within each team.

The Senior boys squad, drawn from Years 11, 12 and 13, always undertakes a pre-season trip, in recent years, alternating between Verona in Italy and Bideford in Devon, where team-building, high intensity training, game plan introduction plus two warm up games provide an all-action introduction to the season. Two Senior players have received International recognition in recent years, while many boys have achieved and been successful at County level from all of our age groups.

Our 1st XV and Under 15 XV both compete in the National Schools competitions, while the U.13 and U.14 squads have the opportunity to play in their County competitions. All age groups field at least two teams while the under 12’s and 13’s often field three sides, giving ample opportunity for boys to participate and represent the school. There is also a vibrant House Competition and an opportunity to play in PE lessons for the younger boys, so even the late developers have an opportunity to shine.

All age groups train at least twice a week after school and there are often mid-week Cup games and matches against local schools which provide the staff with further opportunities to include less experienced players; while the year 7 newcomers share three early- season Saturday mornings at Sidcup RFC, our partner club, in an effort to introduce them to the game as quickly, safely and effectively as possible. Support of the school teams is expected.

Our male PE staff run the boys teams, ably supported by a small group of coaches and volunteers who combine to ensure that whatever level the boys aspire to; they will be effectively coached and well advised.

Girls’ rugby opportunities tend to ebb and flow with the levels of enthusiasm each new cohort brings with them and we support when there is demand. We have had recent links with Dartfordians RFC where coaches supported sessions and we hope that the enthusiasm for this will build over the coming years. Tag rugby is played in the curriculum in various year groups.

Chis & Sid Rugby have their own dedicated Parents Association who support the teams on a Saturday morning and fund raise to help support tours.