Rugby School Cadets Excel at the Royal Marines Pringle Trophy

Last weekend, Rugby School attended the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon. Nine students took part, accompanied by Lt Col Welch (Contingent Commander) and Lt Belding.

The weekend began with a rare honour: Rugby School was the only school invited to attend the Passing Out Parade of 376 King’s Squad, the most senior cohort of Royal Marines in training. Cadets witnessed the recruits complete their transformation into fully fledged Commandos, receiving their Green Berets in front of family, friends and the Royal Marines Band. An inspiring moment that captured the proud traditions of the Corps.

The Pringle Trophy is one of the most demanding and prestigious events in the Combined Cadet Force calendar. Competing against 15 other schools, Rugby’s cadets faced a series of military and physical challenges, including observation and reporting, camouflage, section attacks, drill, command tasks and the legendary endurance course: two punishing miles through cold water, tunnels, mud and deep bogs, culminating in an infamous submerged tunnel – the ‘Sheep Dip’.

Rugby’s cadets performed with teamwork, courage and resilience, ultimately bringing home two trophies. The weekend also embodied the core values of the Royal Marines: Excellence, Integrity, Self-Discipline, Humility, Courage, Determination, Unselfishness and Cheerfulness in the face of adversity. Through their outstanding effort and commitment, Rugby School’s cadets demonstrated these values in action, showing that the spirit and ethos of the Royal Marines thrive within our CCF.