Old Sedberghians, parents and friends of the School are warmly invited to attend the OS Scottish lunch at The New Club in Edinburgh on Friday 1st November 2024 at 12:30pm. Please see the details below:

OS Scottish Lunch
The New Club (Castle Room)
86 Princes St, Edinburgh
EH2 2BB

There is no charge for this lunch.

Please click here to book a ticket.

Founded in 1787, The New Club is (coincidentally) Scotland’s oldest club and possesses an unbroken view over Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle, providing an ideal setting for dining and entertaining.

Places are limited so please book your ticket below at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment. Partners are very welcome.

If you have any questions, please contact Ben Collins at bpc@sedberghschool.org.

Following the great success of the WW1 Pilgrimage, the OS Club plans to launch its first History Society trip on Wednesday 3^rd September – Monday 8^th September 2025 to Arnhem, Netherlands, and the surrounding area where there was some significant OS involvement during WW2. After completing the tour of Arnhem, the party will also join up with the School Battlefields trip to celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of Sedbergh School in Ypres. There will be performances by the School Choir at St Martin’s Cathedral in Ypres and a special performance of the Last Post at the Menin Gate. The trip will also offer the chance to learn more about the history and culture of both areas in addition to paying tribute to the previous generations of Sedberghians. We will be retaining the services of Dr Bruce Cherry who was so instrumental in making the Pilgrimage tours a success.

If you would be interested in attending, please get in contact with Ben Collins at bpc@sedberghschool.org.

Old Sedberghians, former and current staff members, parents both past and present and friends of the School are all warmly invited to participate in the annual Alumni Cross Country Race in London which this year will be held on Saturday 14th September 2024.

This is a long standing race hosted by Thames Hare & Hounds for old girls and boys of schools with strong cross country running traditions. It started in 1953 and has grown in popularity, now attracting around 300 runners from around 60 schools. The course of 5 miles on Wimbledon Common is a shortened version of the Blues Race course. The OS Running Team has participated for a number of years with a growing number of runners.

All ages and running abilities are welcome! Seventy-year-olds compete with eighteen-year-olds – the fastest time is usually close to 25 mins and the back markers closer to 60 minutes.

There are four team competitions within the race:

• The Henry VIII Trophy – an open race to be won by the team whose first four finishers have the lowest score, the winner of the race scoring 1 and so on upwards.
• The Old Brentwood’s Trophy – Veterans’ 40 race, participants to be aged 40 or over on race day, with three to score.
• The Chataway Trophy – the Veterans’ 50 race, participants to be aged 50 or over on race day, with three to score.
• The Old Denstonian Trophy – the Veterans’ 60 race, participants to be aged 60 or over on race day, with three to score.
• The Norman Berry Cup for the individual winner, who must be one of a team of at least three.

Event Information:

Annual London Alumni Cross Country Race
Saturday 14th September 2024
Race Starts at 3.00pm (Please arrive by 2:00pm for registration)
Course is 5 miles (Please visit the Thames Hare & Hounds website for more details)

Venue: Thames HQ, Wimbledon Common, London

Wimbledon Common is located on the A3 at the Richard Evans Memorial Playing Fields (Roehampton Vale, SW15 3PQ). The meeting venue is the Pavillion/Club House which overlooks the playing fields. There is ample parking located adjacent to the A3 and infront of the Pavillion/Club House.

This will be followed by the usual custom of OS drinks and dinner at the Green Man Pub, Putney Heath.

If you interested in taking part in the Old Sedberghian Running Team we would be delighted to hear from you – please contact Benjamin Collins at bpc@sedberghschool.org.

She will be missed by many who will remember her kindness and humility so fondly.  She was a brilliant House Tutor and inspirational Games Coach who simply adored the fells in the company of Sedberghians. 

All our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, son and extended family.

Hark!

Now, before you all start humming the melody of “Hark the Herald” etc, which is the understandable reaction on coming across the archaic word ‘Hark’, I refer to something altogether more modern but just as enduring, as the Christmas Carol we all look forward to singing outside our neighbour’s front door in the dimness of their low energy winter porchlight.

Sedbergh is an ancient institution, and for those of you who perhaps are not so up to speed with our hard-to-contain excitement, the School celebrates its quincentenary in 2025. The Headmaster, our no-nonsense sleeves-rolled-up Mr Dan Harrison, has set about his tenure with great gusto, and as part of this cyclone of activity (the man never stops), he has defined a set of values that is representative of the School, and in so doing, created a bridge between the past and the future as we come to cross the threshold of the 500^th year of existence.

HARK is an acronym for Humility, Ambition, Resilience, Kindness, with the greatest of these, taking the words from Dan himself, being Kindness. Who would disagree? Of course, Sedbergh has imbued us all with a set of values, an inevitable consequence of spending time in such a close-knit society during our formative years, and I am sure there are other values besides those described which come to mind when we reflect in a quiet moment.

But by codifying such a set, suitable for the modern age, Dan has determined a moral direction of travel for the future generations that pass through the School. It is more than just a moral compass, it doesn’t just point the way, but provides an ethical travel pack for a journey through life, encouraging the holder to stride with certitude towards the peaks of opportunity, while being mindful of others who accompany them on the paths of providence.

Few things endure. By focussing on values, Dan has ensured that, as the School moves towards a new epoch, it stays true to the principles that have ensured its success over the years, and at a time when so many other institutions lie half broken like Ozymandias upon the plains of education.

Jan van der Velde
Chairman, OS Club

Congratulations to Marcus Baker and Robert Buchanan who completed the legendary Marathon des Sables, or MdS, which is known as ‘the toughest footrace on Earth‘- an amazing achievement for these two endurance runners. To complete the challenge, competitors take on six marathons in six days across the scorching Sahara Desert, covering over 250km (approx 150mi.) in temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius, all while carrying the equipment on your back and sleeping on the desert floor in traditional Berber tents each night. In their achievement, Marcus and Robert raised over £19,000 for two important charities that help former servicemen and women – Walking With The Wounded and Veterans Aid.

Imogen Boddy, a former pupil of Sedbergh School,  has become the youngest known female to run the length of Britain. 

Aged just 22, she ran 60km (40 miles) a day for 22 days from John o’Groats to Land’s End. Imo, from Yorkshire, completed the 1340km challenge, known as JOGLE, on Sunday July 10.

Imo said: “It feels amazing to have finished. Surreal! I don’t think it has sunk in yet.”

She added: “I’ve never done anything so hard in my life and sometimes it felt very overwhelming but I never doubted I would complete it. 

“I couldn’t have done it with the support of my family and friends.”

Imo also thanked her project sponsors, including headline sponsor Frostrow Capital. She said: “Without the backing of my sponsors, especially Frostrow, I could not have even started to imagine my record-breaking run. 

“I am very grateful to those that have supported me and for having the confidence in my ability and dream.”

In 2018, the previous record holder Megan Al-Ghailani completed a JOGLE run in 40 days and celebrated her 23rd birthday during the feat. The youngest known male to run north from Land’s End to John o’Groats (LEJOG) is Tom Hunt, who took 30 days in 2016.

Imo’s JOGLE run is an unofficial world record. She said: “It won’t be an official record because Guinness World Records stated they are not keen to encourage running records for young people.”

An important part of the feat was raising funds for the mental health charity, Young Minds. Imo has raised almost £26,000 so far.

Imo, a personal trainer, said: “I have spent a lot of time during the run reflecting on how important exercise is for mental health. Exercise helps to keep us balanced mentally.

“I also hope I have shown that we are capable of so much more than we think we are.”

Imo started her ultra run at John o’Groats on June 19. She followed the most direct route south, mainly sticking to roads. She was supported for the full challenge by her parents Laura and Julian in a motorhome. Friends and family members have joined her for sections of the run. Logistics and cycling safety support has been provided by former Marine and accomplished ultra runner Chris Taylor.

Imo described many ups and downs during JOGLE. She said: “The first part of every day was so hard mentally. The first 10 days were also very tough physically.

“I had many painful blisters on my feet and then a sore tendon in my right foot and also a sore left knee, probably because I was compensating for the sore foot. At times I couldn’t see the light ahead.

“But then my body seemed to adapt a bit. People said this would happen but early on I didn’t believe it would. 

“After that it has just been coping with the long days and getting through the 60km. There have been some very hot days, too.”

Imo described the 22 days of daily ultra marathons as “like being in a bubble of running”. 

She said: “Everything else has been done for me and I have just needed to run and walk the distance and others have organised my food, recovery treatments and sleep.

“The support from everyone has been incredible.”

Last year, Imo completed seven marathons in seven days to raise funds for the charity, MIND. While attending Sedbergh School aged 16 to 18, she also created The Boddy Challenge, aimed at sixth-form girls. The endurance event consists of a 10km swim in Lake Windermere, running a marathon around Lake Windermere and then cycling 40km back to Sedbergh, all in under 12 hours.

She said: “I’ve always loved setting myself mental and physical challenges. Testing your limits and seeing how much you can achieve is very rewarding.”

The OS Club is saddened to share the news that former Headmaster Roger Baxter passed away on 21st February 2022. Roger was Headmaster of Sedbergh from 1981-95 and lived locally at Lindale. He had recently battled a series of complex medical issues and passed away peacefully with his wife, Dorothy, and family at his bedside. He will be sadly missed by all.

Sedbergh School will be holding a Memorial Service for Roger in the School Chapel on Sunday 12th June at 3pm. Headmaster, Dan Harrison, also warmly invites all those who wish to pay their respects to Roger for refreshments in Queen’s Hall after the service. Please contact Ben Collins at bpc@sedberghschool.org if you plan on attending.

Roger came to Sedbergh from Winchester and oversaw an ambitious programme of refurbishment and building including the Sports Hall, Queen’s Hall, Boarding Houses and classrooms. In 1989, numbers rose above 500 for the first time in the School’s history.

Please click here or see below an appreciation by Sir Giles Shaw M.P. (L 45-50) which was published in the 1995 Sedberghian magazine upon Roger’s retirement from Sedbergh.

Roger was a graduate and Ph.D of the University of Sheffield where he lectured for some years in mathematics before moving to the milder climes of Winchester College. There, in addition to his normal classroom duties, he exercised the role of Under Master, having previously been elected Secretary of the Common Room by his perspicacious fellow Dons who had clearly spotted a future Headmaster of Sedbergh in the making.

Roger arrived at Sedbergh from Winchester in January 1982 as successor to Peter Attenborough and tackled his job with energy and determination. He was determined to lift academic performance and appointed and structured his staff to provide a wide range of subject teaching to ensure that Sedberghians could optimise their individual talents in subjects of their choice. He appointed good staff and successful staff. It is, I think, a positive reflection on his choice that many moved on to headmasterships, like John Light, first to Oswestry and now to Edinburgh Academy. Or Martin Stevens, first to The Perse School, Cambridge and now High Master at Manchester. To Angus McPhail, now Headmaster of Strathallan. And Tony Thomas, from Housemaster of Evans House to Headmaster of Casterton.

Roger was a great one for diversification. More subjects are now studied, more sports are now played. More boys do more things in many avenues of endeavour than ever before. Sedbergh life now includes a social programme of joint activities with other organisations and schools, and particularly close cooperation with Casterton and with St Anne’s at Windermere. The life of the Sedberghian under Roger’s tutelage became therefore brighter, fuller and better. But I think it was in his drive to renovate and develop the School’s estate that we find the permanent memorial to the Baxter years – the Sports Hall, Queen’s Hall, the modernisation and refurbishment of all the School’s boarding houses and most of the School’s property. A capital programme was determined, designed and delivered within a time span which coincided with large increases in the number of boys in school and therefore large increases in revenue.

This wise insistence on investing in the future allowed the School to present a new and shining face to the parents of the Nineties. Roger Baxter’s relations with parents showed his humanity and sensitivity to good effect. He was particularly adept at coping with parents who had fallen on hard times and in making wise use of bursaries to enable those boys of promise to sustain their career when it was threatened. Parents responded to his approachable and warm personality, and many have written in appreciation of what he meant to them. One of many wrote to him, “I would like to say how extremely sorry I am that you are leaving. You have fostered an atmosphere in which boys can learn to be themselves: rugby friends, academics, musicians, whatever. And so my son is now starting to blossom and is at case with himself.” That is a tribute which many parents would echo and is a powerful endorsement of the man.

Roger sought expansion too. Faced in later years with increasing competition, recruitment was widened and strong links were established with schools in Germany and France. Successful efforts have been made to draw boys from Hong Kong and the Far East, and the School’s presence in the Prep School market was established and confirmed with the development of Cressbrook House. All this led to improvements in academic results: the highest percentages to Degree courses, emphatically shown by the total of ten entrants to Oxford and Cambridge in 1994, and better performances in exam grades at ‘GCSE’ and ‘A’ Level.

Meanwhile, sporting achievements still ranked high in the Baxter years. Will Carling still at the zenith of his fame, with many other Sedberghians achieving international representation at various levels, establishes the School’s rugby prowess beyond doubt. The name of Sykes displaced the name of Pumphrey in the annual of the Wilson Run after nearly a century. What a milestone that was in 1993. And then there was music and drama. And this allows me to turn to the immense contribution which Roger’s wife Dorothy played in these successful years. Productions large and small. Musical or dramatic, operas or operettas, chamber concerts or symphonies, the musical life of Sedbergh has never been more prolific. And Roger and Dorothy, together with the inspired appointment of Christopher Tinker, brought a new zeal and energy to the cultural side of the School. Whether playing the double bass in the school orchestra in Powell Hall or belting out Belshazzar’s Feast in Ripon Cathedral, Dorothy was a versatile and full hearted contributor to the school. The long-term benefit, however, is that the reputation of Sedbergh for music has resulted in scholarships and entrants from far and wide coming here for that purpose. And this too, I trust, will be a lasting memorial to the Baxter years.

Finally, let me turn to the pastoral role. Roger Baxter made a deep and personal commitment to the spiritual welfare of this School. This is an important dimension to the Headmaster’s role and springs from the fact that Roger’s faith was an important influence on his life and career. He loved the Chapel; and how glad he was that a replacement organ was found and purchased and installed in September last year and how glad he will be to return here when the Chapel’s centenary will be celebrated in 1997. But, latterly, there were difficulties too. Falling numbers bringing with it some loss of confidence and the spectre of house closures or staff redundancies caused a loss of morale within the Sedbergh community: problems which as a private rather than a public personality Roger found hard to bear. So early retirement beckoned. We rejoice at the manifest and manifold contribution which Roger and Dorothy Baxter made to the life of Sedbergh School over thirteen years. We are grateful for their commitment and their conscientiousness.

We share their pride in their partnership and we applaud their achievements. And if there is but one memory, which I suspect they will always treasure, it will surely be that day in May 1991 when Roger and Dorothy played host to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. For half a day they toured the school; royal heralds and fanfares; orchestra and band; town and gown and multicoloured prep school blazers, Sports Hall opened, Coat of Arms presented: nags unfurled and boys and bunting everywhere; lunch with the boys in Sedgwick House and departure with ~Winder~ bellowing, it seemed, from a thousand throats As one observer put it: The ultimate in Grand Opera. Not in Verona but in Sedbergh in a humble place founded by her royal ancestor 470 years ago. To Roger and Dorothy Baxter that surely must have been their finest hour.

Click here to read the original valete from Sir Giles Shaw and a further valete written by Dr Christopher Tinker, Director of Music from 1983-1996, also published in the 1995 Sedberghian.

Sadly the OS Club has been informed that former Robertson House staff member Jill Elliot passed away recently after a long illness.

Jill was a much-loved member of the Robertson House team from 2004-2010.

A funeral service will be held on Friday 8th April at 10:30am in St Gregory’s Church, Crakehall. Should any Old Sedberghians wish to contact the family, please use the address below:
Alison Gaven
The Lodge
Aysgarth School
Newton-Le-Willows DL8 1TF

The OS Club has received the sad news that former Director of Music, Alf Champniss, passed away recently on 7th January 2022, aged 89. He is remembered by his many colleagues, friends and pupils from his time teaching at Sedbergh, where he arrived from Rugby in 1965 and left for Mill Hill in 1974. Alf was a founding member of the British Institute of Organ Studies and in retirement played the organ frequently at Grosvenor Chapel, Mayfair. He was also the retired Chairman of the former family property company, Panstar Ltd.

A recording of his Funeral Service at Grosvenor Chapel can be viewed here.

Please see below his valete which was recorded in the 1974 Sedberghian magazine.

Alfred Champniss left at the end of the Lent Term 1974 to take up an appointment as Director of Music at Mill Hill School, London. He was educated at Harrow School to which he was an entrance scholar. Later at Oriel College, Oxford he was organ scholar and read for the Honours School of Jurisprudence. At the Royal College of Music he studied the organ with Ralph Downes, composition with Herbert Howells, conducting with Richard Austin and piano with Robert Collet. The playing and study of the organ was to become a dominating musical interest. After a temporary teaching appointment at Harrow School he was appointed to the music staff of Rugby, where he remained from 1957 to 1965.

The outstanding headmastership at that time of Walter Hamilton was to provide a model shaped which his ideals of school government and leadership. His cordial relationship with the school chaplain, Leonard Morison, created a most enthusiastic partnership. We often heard from Mr. Champniss golden opinions of this distinguished school. In 1962 he became suborganist of Coventry Cathedral. He played for the opening Sunday service at the cathedral.

In his teaching at Sedbergh he encouraged preparation for 0 and A Level music. One of his pupils is now a college organist at Oxford, reading music. Some boys have been grateful to him for their initiation into new experiences through his musical appreciation classes. Under his direction the Musical Society choir and school orchestra have created some exciting occasions. A feature of some of these concerts has been the keyboard concerto performances of some talented boys, carefully trained and tutored by Mr. Champniss. The practices of the String Orchestra, which he has conducted on Monday evenings, have greatly helped both the reading ability and ensemble playing of the school string players.

Through concerts we have had a varied range of composers and instrumentalists to enjoy. Many distinguished performers have been introduced to the school through the continuing Subscription Concerts, requiring much careful planning and attention to the needs of the performers. He initiated the title ‘Informal Concerts’; these have given opportunities for boys to gain confidence in performing before an audience.

His personal enthusiasm for organ playing has influenced some others to take up the study of what for him is The King of Instruments. He gave frequent recitals in Powell Hall, many of which were memorable for their brilliance and wealth of musical effects. As a performer he found that the organ works of Messiaen had a compelling fascination. Many a time he has toured not only in this country but also in Europe to play on some of the most noted instruments. As a result of this travelling, combined with his reading, his knowledge of organs is encyclopaedic. Apart from his musical interests he has been a devotee of the Public School way of life, its personalities and traditions. It has often been a delight for him to read some biography of a distinguished school personality and then air his findings.

Another interest in his reading was architecture. He could speak knowledgeably of not only the history of Rugby School but of the architectural work there of William Butterfield. The Music School at Guldrey Lodge has been a place of retreat where innumerable conversations have provided a humanising release. Many are the times when laughter has eruptively punctuated some entertaining exchanges. It is not only for his organisational competence, musical talent and love of school life, but also for his friendly and humanising influence that we are grateful to him.

The OS Club is sad to report the death of Richard Dorman, who passed away peacefully on 9th January 2022, aged 96. Richard was a British diplomat who served as the second High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Vanuatu from 1982 until 1985.

Please see an obituary below sent in by his family:

Richard’s family came from Stafford but after a visit to a Fabian Summer School at Sedbergh in 1916 Richard’s father decided he would send his five boys to school there. He wrote that it was a fine place where “boys might grow to be healthy, uncontaminated men”. Richard started in 1939 and was proud to be awarded Sedbergh’s second scholarship, valued at £80 a year. He enjoyed his time at the school. In his memoirs he says great efforts were made to teach him to play passable rugby but in vain. However, his great compensating discovery was that he could run and that fell-running (downhill at least) was marvellous. He also talks about ‘the great sense of freedom’ that he enjoyed at Sedbergh.

He did military service as a commissioned officer in the South Staffordshire Regiment and then started at St. John’s in October 1948. He did modern Greek and Russian and ran for the college. He obtained a first-class joint honours degree.

After Cambridge he joined the Civil Service and worked first in the War Office and then transferred to the Foreign Office. He started in Cyprus (60-63), which was followed by posting to Sierra Leone (64-67), Ethiopia, (1969 -73) Romania (74-77), South Africa (77-82 and finally Vanuatu, where he was High Commissioner (82-85). He was awarded a CBE in 1984.

He enjoyed all his postings very much, but possibly his final posting was his favourite.

On retirement he set up The British Friends of Vanuatu, firstly to support people from Vanuatu who were coming to the UK for scholarships and secondly to keep British people with Vanuatu links in touch with Vanuatu. Over the years the organisation grew and as aid to Vanuatu shrunk the BFoV raised money for scholarships. Today it is a flourishing organisation. Richard was awarded the Republic of Vanuatu National Award of Merit in 1999 in recognition of his work.

Richard’s beloved wife, Anna, died in 2017, but he is survived by his 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Rouban Birch (H 16-18) – Sale Sharks 

Sale Sharks lock Rouban scored a late winning try to take the spoils over Newcastle Falcons in November last year. He has played for the Sharks intermittently since the 2018-2019 season.

Charlie Claire (E 05-10) – Leicester Tigers 

Former Leicester Tigers academy captain Charlie joined the Tigers senior squad in 2019 where he features regularly at the hooker position and has thrived in the role. Previously, Charlie played for Bedford Blues in the RFU Championship, and for Northampton Saints in Premiership Rugby. 

Tom Curtis (S 17-19) – Sale Sharks, England U18 

The son of former Manchester United defender John Curtis, fly-half Tom was called up to the England U18’s side in 2018 and the following year made his premiership debut for Sharks 7s. Tom memorably lifted the Rosslyn Park National Sevens trophy as Captain when Sedbergh’s 1st VII won the National Title in his final year at school in 2019. In 2020, Tom was included in the England U20s squad for the Six Nations and continues his professional development in the Sharks’ first team. 

Robert Farrar (H 12-18) – Newcastle Falcons, England U18 

Promising England U20’s back-rower Rob captained Cumbria at U15s level and joined the Newcastle Falcons academy in 2016. Rob was part of the unbeaten Sedbergh School treble-winning side before capping for England U20s and making his Premiership debut for the Falcons during the 2020-21 season. 

Tom Francis (W 05-08) – Exeter Chiefs, Wales

Welsh prop Tom Francis recently made a move last year from long-time club Exeter Chiefs (with 116 caps) to Ospreys in order to keep his Wales Test career alive where he has made 55 international appearances to date. A Grand Slam winner and World Cup semi-finalist with Wales in 2019, Tom is also an European Cup and English Premiership winner with the Chiefs in what has been a stellar career. 

Will Haydon-Wood (P 14-19) – Newcastle Falcons, England U20

Fly-half Will Haydon-Wood joined the Falcons’ senior academy in the summer of 2019 immediately after leaving Sedbergh. He was a stand-out performer in the U18 League and first represented England U20’s against South Africa in 2019. Will made his premiership debut for the senior team in May 2021 against Exeter and continues to develop his style in other positions such as fullback and inside centre. 

Jack Hill (SH 16-18) – Sale Sharks, Scotland U20 

Blindside flanker Jack Hill made his Premiership debut for Sale Sharks in November 2021 against Leicester, having previously been called up to the Scotland U20 squad for the U20 Six Nations in 2020. Jack is currently developing his career through university rugby at Durham. 

Alex Moon (W 12-15) – Northampton Saints, England 

Alex joined the Northampton Saints academy in 2015, making his premiership debut for the Saints in 2017 and helping the Wanderers (the Saints’ reserves) lift the Premiership A League trophy the same year. Alex, who is renowned for his impressive physical proportions, received a call-up to the senior England squad for the 2020 Six Nations Championship and continues to develop his career as a lock in the Saints’ senior squad. 

Cam Redpath (S 16-18) – Bath Rugby, Scotland 

The elder son of former Scotland Captain Bryan Redpath, Cam recovered from a prolonged injury to enjoy a breakout year last year when he became a full international, sensationally debuting in the opening round of the Six Nations in Scotland’s historic victory over England at Twickenham – their first there for 38 years. Cam plays at inside centre for Bath having developed his career through the Sale Sharks academy. 

Sam Stuart (P 05-10) – Newcastle Falcons 

Sam signed a new two-year deal last year with Newcastle Falcons where he has been since 2017. An England international throughout the age groups, the scrum-half has also played for England in U16’s, 18’s and 20’s, having made his professional breakthrough at Harlequins.  

Abbie Ward (R 09-11) – Bristol Bears Women, England 

Occasional Red Roses captain Abbie reached a significant milestone in earning her 50th cap for the England Women’s Rugby Team late last year. Abbie, who was the first OS woman to represent England in a senior national sporting team, was part of the unstoppable Red Roses squad which recently completed an autumn clean sweep with ruthless wins over New Zealand, Canada and the USA, finishing the year unbeaten after claiming their third successive Six Nations title last spring. Abbie was also one of five Red Roses players to be named in the Women’s Team of the Year. Her senior international career began when she won her first senior cap in 2015, scoring a try on debut in the Women’s Six Nations. She went on to captain England for the first time against the USA in the summer of 2019. Last summer Abbie married former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward and he is now her coach at Bristol Bears.

James Botham (E 11-16) – Cardiff Rugby, Wales 

Following in the footsteps of his father Liam, and grandfather Lord Ian Botham, Cardiff Rugby (formerly Cardiff Blues) flanker James recently made his senior Wales debut at the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup. In January this year he overcame an injury scare after being stretchered off from heavy blow to the side of his head against Edinburgh. James has already earned 9 international caps for Wales where he continues to take great strides in his international career. 

Ali Crossdale (P 14-16) – Wasps, England U20 

Ali made his Premiership debut in 2016 for Saracens having spent time at Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons and Christchurch, New Zealand, during his youth. The winger did not see much game time at Saracens and has since come of age at their premiership rivals, Wasps, where he is thriving. Ali received a call-up to the England squad in 2020 where he was included in Eddie Jones’ England Shadow Squad after impressing in England U20s. 

Phil Dowson (P 93-00) – Northampton Saints (Coach) 

Former number 8 and flanker for Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors, Phil Dowson made a total of 262 premiership appearances (the third highest of all time) in his highly successful playing career before embarking on a new journey as assistant coach to the Saints in 2017, where he is set to become director of rugby at the end of the current season. Up until Bevan Rodd’s (E 13-18) recent England debut late last year, Phil was the most recent Old Sedberghian to play for England on the men’s side, with seven international caps before hanging up his boots in 2017. 

Carl Fearns (P 04-07) – Newcastle Falcons, England Saxons 

Back-row forward Carl is a premiership rugby veteran, having starred for Sale Sharks (60 appearances) and Bath (73 appearances), while also shining for French clubs Lyon (66 appearances) and Rouen (9 appearances). Carl returned to premiership rugby last year, assisting the Newcastle Falcons with his destructive ball-carrying ability. Carl has captained England at U18 level and made his debut for England Saxons, England’s second national team, in 2011.  

Josh Hodge (P 12-18) – Exeter Chiefs, England U20

Highly rated up-and-comer Josh Hodge recently made the switch from Newcastle Falcons to Exeter Chiefs in 2020. The fullback was the top scorer in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina, kicking an immaculate 24 goals from 24 and scoring two tries. This success led to him being called up as an apprentice player by England head coach Eddie Jones for the 2020 Guinness Six Nations training squad. Josh has already scored a number of sensational solo tries as both winger and full-back and is hotly tipped for England duty in the near future. 

Louie Johnson (W 16-21) – Newcastle Falcons, England U18 

Fly-half Louie Johnson came through the Newcastle Falcons’ junior academy from age 13 before joining their senior academy last year. Louie’s talented kicking game, speed and defence were instrumental in Sedbergh’s successful season of 2019-2020. A central figure for England U18s, earlier this year Louie was named in the England U20’s Elite Player Squad for the 2022 Six Nations. 

Ollie Melville (S 15-20) Glasgow Warriors, Scotland U20, Jamaica (Sevens)

Ollie made his Scotland U20 debut in the U20 Six Nations last year having impressed as fullback at Glasgow Warriors where he is also capable of playing on the wing. Ollie is set to again represent for Scotland in the upcoming U20 Six Nations this spring under captain and fellow OS, Rhys Tait (SH 18-20), having also previously represented England at U18 level and Jamaica in Rugby Sevens. 

Sam Moore (W 15-17) – Cardiff Rugby, England U20

Sam, whose father and uncle both represented Cardiff and Wales, joined Cardiff as a number 8 from Sale Sharks in 2020 having formerly represented England at U20’s level and was also an apprentice in England’s senior squad of 2018. His time at Cardiff has been blighted by a series of injuries, and although he remains eligible to play for either England or Wales, he ultimately followed his father’s footsteps by opting for Wales and signing with the Blues.  

Bevan Rodd (E 13-18) – Sale Sharks, England 

Prop Bevan has been a regular at England age-grade rugby from U16’s level, but it wasn’t until November last year when he was first called up to the England squad for the 2021 Autumn Nations Series for England’s win over Australia, becoming the 40th OS to receive an international cap. Bevan finished his 2021 Autumn Nations Series with a 27-26 win over the world champions and is included in the England training squad for the 2022 Six Nations. He made his Premiership debut for the Sharks in 2019. 

Carwyn Tuipulotu (E 15-20) – Scarlets, Wales U20 

The son of former Tonga international Katilimoni Tuipulotu, Carwyn came through the Newcastle Falcons academy before linking up with the Scarlets through the Welsh Exiles programme. The powerful ball-carrier made his debut for Scarlets in 2020 and  has already represented Wales U18s (while simultaneously developing at Sedbergh) and featured at No. 8 for Wales U20s in the 2021 Six Nations. Carwyn cemented his place as one of Welsh rugby’s brightest young prospects with his European debut this year in the Heineken Champions Cup. 

OS Representing Internationally

Alex Allan (S 05-10) – Hong Kong Scottish (Player-Coach) & Hong Kong Int. (Scrum Coach)

Last summer Scotland international Alex commenced a dual role as coach-player for Hong Kong Scottish while combining this with assisting the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) as a front row specialist coach. The former Premiership prop has a wealth of playing experience with 109 caps for Glasgow Warriors in the Pro 14 and 8 caps for Scotland.

Michael Cooke (SH 17-19) – Ireland U18, Ealing Trailfinders

Michael spent much of 2021 recovering from a knee operation but is now back playing competitive rugby again for the Ealing Trailfinders senior academy squad, where he previously collected 180 points in the 2019-2020 season with his talented left boot. The fly-half has represented Ireland at Under 18 Level as well as playing for London Irish ARFC.

Tom Lanni (E 18-20) – Ayrshire Bulls, Scotland U20

Scotland international Tom made his international debut for Scotland U19s while in his final year at Sedbergh. He signed with the Ayrshire Bulls senior squad in 2020 upon finishing at Sedbergh with the defender having come through the academy as a youth product.

Cameron Melville (S 15-20) Jamaica (Sevens), Scotland U18, Sale Sharks U18 

Cameron, while currently completing his studies at Newcastle University and playing for the Newcastle University Rugby Club, won the Rugby Americas North 7’s Tournament at the end of last year representing Jamaica, alongside his twin brother. Cameron played for Jamaica again in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series earlier this year in Malaga and has also played for Scotland U18’s. 

Murray Redpath (S 16-20) – Newcastle University, Scotland U20 

The younger son of Bryan Redpath, Murray debuted for Scotland U20’s last year and will again represent the squad in the upcoming U20’s Six Nations. The Newcastle University scrum-half plays in the same position as his father did, following in his footsteps.

Rhys Tait (SH 18-20) – Boroughmuir Bears, Scotland U20 (Captain) 

Rhys made his Scotland U20 debut in the 2021 Six Nations in Cardiff where he played in all five matches. He was recently announced as Captain for Scotland U20s in the 2022 Six Nations, with the back-rower having impressed with Edinburgh’s Boroughmuir Bears and also at his time through the Glasgow Warriors’ academy.

Alex Wootton (SH 07-12) – Connacht Rugby

Alex is an international Irish rugby player currently playing for Connacht at the wing position. Alex played for the Northampton Saints for a year before opting for a move to Ireland and Munster, and eventually moving to Connacht last season. Alex has previously played for Ireland at an international level in the U20s and Sevens teams.

Michele Brighetti (E 14-19) – Italy U20, Rugby Valvisano

Michele switched from the Kenyan U20’s side to the Italian U20’s for the U20 Six Nations Championships in 2020. With the championships interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Michele was again announced for the Azzurrini in the U20 Six Nations in 2021 as well. He currently plays at fly-half for Rugby Calvisano in Italy’s top-level competition.

Iain Carmichael (SH 16-20) – Scotland U16, Glasgow Hawks U20 

Iain currently plays for Glasgow Hawks U20’s in the Scottish Premiership. The hooker, who can also play in the back row, represented Scotland U16’s when he was still a pupil at Sedbergh and spent three years at the Newcastle Falcons academy.

EJ Freeman (H 18-20) – USA U18, Arizona Wildcats

EJ is a centre/flanker who recently represented USA 18’s in 2020, but also played the IRB World U18 Rugby Championships for Germany in 2019. He is described as a fast-rising prospect in the back row and his impressive appearances earned him the University of Arizona Wildcat’s Freshman of the Year award in 2021.

Johnny McPhillips (W 10-15) – US Carcassonne, Ireland U20

Fly-half Johnny made his senior career debut for Ulster before two successful years at Leicester Tigers in the Premiership despite suffering a knee ligament injury in his debut season. Last year the former Ireland Under-20 international signed for US Carcassonne in the South of France. A multi-talented athlete, Johnny was an academy level footballer with Newcastle United before turning to rugby at Sedbergh School.

Will Panday (H 15-19) – Hong Kong U20, Ealing Trailfinders 

Hong Kong international Will made his Hong Kong U20 debut at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in 2019. A former Newcastle Falcons Academy product and key player in the successful Sedbergh 1^st XV side of 2019, Will plays as a centre for Henley Hawks and Ealing Trailfinders on a scholarship programme with Brunel University. 

Diego Warnken (H 18-20) – Chile U18 

Diego was the third-highest points scorer at the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai last year, knocking up a stunning 64 points for Chile. He was also in action for Chile at World Rugby Americas Pacific Challenge last October where he found similar success with the boot, helping Chile tie with title winners Argentina but losing the title on points difference. Diego also helped Chile book their spot at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in September 2022. His last gasp score in the corner to secure a huge win for Sedbergh School over a strong Blackrock side in 2019 will also be remembered by many for some time. 

Thomas Winkler (W 18-20) – Chile U18 

Thomas is a newcomer in the Chilean National Sevens Team who joined fellow OS Diego Warnken at the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai last year. He made his national debut when travelling with the national side to compete in the Madrid Sevens Tournament in February 2021, where he scored a try against Portugal.