History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #11: First Rugby Photo
Dressed in white plus fours and dark boat neck sweaters, the first rugby team captured on camera in 1882 wore sports kit that was very much ‘of its time’. The photograph features the Charlesworth brothers, Thomas and Charles, who between them spent seven seasons on the 1st XV, five on the 1st XI, and held posts of Captain of XV, Head of School and record holder for the Wilson Run.
Rugby was founded at Sedbergh in 1879, the inaugural matches featuring seemingly random combinations of pupils and masters coming together to form teams. The first match with an external team was played against Kendal town on November 8th 1879, with the first interschool match following later in the month against Windermere College. Rugby was a slow burner initially with very few external matches. Until 1930 no season featured more than four matches against non-Sedbergh teams.
Rugby gained momentum through the twentieth century with Sedbergh taking its place as one of the very best rugby schools, consistently producing internationals for the home nations including Will Carling and Will Greenwood. In the last decade more than 40 school boy internationals have come through the School, with Sedbergh gaining a reputation for nurturing young players by creating a training and playing programme to challenge our pupils. The boys’ fixture list now includes matches against Wellington, Millfield, Blackrock College, Dublin and Llandovery College.
In recent years girls’ rugby has taken tentative steps forward, in part thanks to the Sale Sharks Community coach team who provide training to all our Year 9 girls throughout each season. Recent leaver Annabel Roue moved straight from Sedbergh to a professional career with the Cheshire club. England International Abbie Ward (née Scott), Robertson 2009 – 2011, has been a trailer blazer in the world of women’s rugby. Girl’s rugby wasn’t offered at Sedbergh during her time here, but Abbie reflected recently on her experience establishing her rugby career whilst at School:
‘The quality of the coaches and the sporting ethos were amazing. Although there wasn’t girls’ rugby at Sedbergh, they really supported me in my pursuit of rugby. I was on the divisional County pathway for the under-20’s girls’ rugby and had my own programme to follow. During odd sessions they’d let me join in with the boys, and for my personal strength and conditioning programme I was given lots of support.’
Rugby at Sedbergh continues to thrive, but also to develop, becoming both more inclusive, and perhaps with greater awareness of the importance of protecting the growing bodies of the young players. With views of Winder behind, the iconic pitches at Busk will be remembered by all who are lucky enough to train and play on them. Phil Dowson, (Hart 1993 – 2000) spoke of Busk as ‘the best setting I have ever played in’. Great praise indeed from this former international.