Sedbergh Rugby: Built on Heritage, Driven by Challenge
Rugby at Sedbergh has long been synonymous with excellence, heritage, and character-building – and with an illustrious history of wins at Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, Sedbergh National Tens, and the Daily Mail Trophy (XV), you could be forgiven for thinking that rugby at Sedbergh has peaked. However, with a new team at the helm, Sedbergh’s rugby is building on its heritage and moving forward at pace.
Sam Moore, Head of Rugby, and John Fletcher, Rugby Technical Advisor, are adamant that Sedbergh’s programme is about far more than producing elite players; it is about shaping confident, resilient young people who carry Sedbergh’s values into every aspect of their lives.
Coaching with Purpose
Sam, an Old Sedberghian himself, explains that his motivation to coach comes from his own experience of what great coaching delivers: empowerment on and off the field. “It’s about developing the person as a whole,” he explains. “I get the biggest buzz when players take ownership, solve problems on the pitch, and reflect as a group because that’s when you see growth.”
John shares a similar philosophy. He recalls the influence of his own coaches as a young player and sees his role now as giving that same opportunity to the next generation. “My biggest buzz is when a team becomes ‘pleasantly frustrated’—when something is tough, but they stick at it and then the moment clicks. That’s a sign that real learning is happening.”
Rugby as a Life Lesson
Both coaches agree that rugby teaches valuable lessons that last well beyond a pupil’s time at school — the most important being resilience, teamwork, and an awareness of personal value. Resilience comes top of the list. “Rugby – or any sport, for that matter – is fairly up and down: whether you’re selected, whether you’re injured, whether the game goes well, whether the scoreboard’s in your favour or not.” Sam explains that failure is also a necessary and positive part of growth. “Failure is just an opportunity,” he says. “It’s about how quickly you respond, adapt, and move forward.”
John echoes this: “I’ve probably learned the most from failures. Finding that balance between stretch and support is what builds not only good rugby players but also resilient, well-rounded young people.”
What Makes Sedbergh Different
For both men, Sedbergh’s rugby is set apart by three pillars: heritage, time-on-task, and culture. The boarding environment provides unrivalled access to training, recovery, and analysis. The depth and breadth of the programme mean that pupils play across multiple teams, ensuring that whether you are in the 1st XV or the 5th XV, you are challenged at the right level. The programme is steeped in history, with former pupils going on to play professional club and international rugby. And above all, Sedbergh’s rugby identity is clear: a culture of relentless effort, positive challenge, and belonging.
“Not every pupil will go on to play professional rugby,” Sam reflects, “but every pupil will leave with tools for life—ownership, resilience, and the confidence to tackle whatever comes next.”
John adds: “At its heart, it’s about the value of teams. Rugby here is about belonging to something bigger than yourself—and that’s what makes Sedbergh rugby so powerful.”