Teachers Simone Elrick and Henry Higginson to represent the prestigious Steele-Bodger XV

Rugby School teachers, Simone Elrick (Teacher of Spanish and Italian and U15A rugby coach) and Henry Higginson (Teacher of Economics and Business and U16A rugby coach), are set to represent the prestigious Steele-Bodger XV in their annual fixture against Cambridge University at Grange Road on Tuesday 26 November.

This match is one of the highlights of the university rugby calendar, providing a final test for Cambridge ahead of the Varsity Match against Oxford.

Simone previously played for Bath University 1^st XV, while Henry represented Durham University 1^st XV.

The fixture itself dates back to 1948, when Micky Steele-Bodger, a former Cambridge Blue and England international, was invited to assemble an invitational side to face the Light Blues. What began as a one-off has grown into a beloved annual tradition.

This year’s fixture holds special resonance: Micky’s son, Guy Steele-Bodger, a respected member of staff at Rugby School, maintains the family’s close link to the match. The presence of Simone and Henry not only honours that legacy but also deepens the ties between Rugby School, the Steele-Bodger family, and one of university rugby’s most iconic occasions.

Henry writes, “It’s an honour to represent Rugby School and the Steel-Bodger name against Cambridge, especially with Guy being such an integral part of the Economics and Business department!”

We wish them the very best of luck in their upcoming fixture.