Bromsgrove crowned NatWest Schools Cup winners at home of England Rugby
Twickenham Stadium today (March 16th 2016) hosted the climax to the school rugby season as Bromsgrove School were crowned 2016 NatWest Schools Cup winners, beating Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield 18-10 in the U18s Cup Final.
Running out on the same turf that less than a week ago hosted England’s victory over Wales in the RBS 6 Nations, a victory that sets England up for a historic Grand Slam finale in Paris on Saturday, Bromsgrove proved worthy of playing on such a stage in a stunning performance.
Competing in their second successive U18s NatWest Schools Cup Final, Bromsgrove previously faced tough ties against Whitgift and RGS High Wycombe and proved too strong for a spirited QEGS side. Two tries from No 8 Beck Cutting took the game away from QEGS to cap a memorable day at the home of English rugby for the Worcestershire school.
Jamie George, the Saracens and England hooker who has had an impressive season for club and country, watched on from the stands throughout Finals Day and was on hand to present Bromsgrove with the NatWest Schools Cup trophy. George also presented a signed England jersey to Man of the Match Beck Gutting of Bromsgrove.
The Old Haileyburian, who competed in the NatWest Schools Cup almost 10 years go said,
“It is so promising to see such talented young players taking part in the NatWest Schools Cup and being given the opportunity to prove themselves on the biggest stage of all, here at Twickenham. I still have fond memories from my playing days at Haileybury and, although I would have loved to see my former school competing here today, I have been really impressed with the quality on show, particularly from Bromsgrove. I hope they cherish today’s win and that we see these promising young players follow the pathway many of the England squad have taken, from the NatWest Schools Cup, through the age-grade system and onto representing their country.”
Tony Windo’s side joined Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, Sedbergh and Northampton School for Boys, who won the 2016 NatWest Schools Cup U15s Vase, U15s Cup and U18s Vase by beating Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Wellington College and St Ambrose College, respectively.
New for 2016 NatWest will be rewarding and inspiring those who that have performed well in the 2016 NatWest Schools Cup. 30 players will have the chance to experience what it is like to be an England player at the NatWest Schools Cup Academy Day. Players from this year’s tournament are able to be put forward to represent their school at England’s training base in Surrey and, alongside host and former England winger Mark Cueto, have the chance to see behind the scenes at the newly crowned RBS 6 Nations Champions training base.
