Welcoming IAPS Kenya to Rugby School and Bilton Grange

Bilton Grange and Rugby School were delighted to host the IAPS Kenya touring party for two days last week, prior to their competing at the Howden Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens tournament and the Caldicott 10s.

The Kenyans’ stay in New House saw them having the opportunity to survey the hallowed turf of Old Bigside, even playing an impromptu game of touch with Rugby’s own 1st VII, with a fine disregard for the age gap. A tour of the Doctor’s Wall, the Quads, Old and New, and the Chapel was inspirational, and players and coaches were honoured with a presentation by Mr Chamberlain. 7 a side and 10 a side matches against Bilton Grange saw the tourists record convincing wins, but as is the culture of our great game, friendships were forged before, after and during the games themselves. Mr Potgieter and Head Mr Jones were highly impressed with the ability and the performance, the courteous and the respectful deportment of the guest players.

At Rosslyn Park, the Kenyans had the most wonderful day, recording wins in all their fixtures, scoring 24 tries in the process, and conceding only 4. Perhaps their most memorable win was versus Felsted 10 points to 5. The three future Rugbeians in the squad were prominent throughout, with one being the leading try-scorer in the Under 13 tournament. The Rugby School marquee was able to host the parents for a warming, welcoming cup of Kenyan tea.

At the subsequent Caldicott National Schools 10s, the squad suffered a solitary loss, by a single score against Caldicott School itself, but recorded three wins and two draws in their other games to win the Vase, testament to the team’s determination and spirit.

For Messrs Chamberlain, Bayly and Day and for Mrs Bursey Faulkner, it was lovely to be able to repay the generous hospitality shown to them during their visits to Nairobi and Gilgil over recent years at schools such as Pembroke House, Peponi House, the Banda School and Kenton College. All the above, of course, were well-represented in the IAPS Kenya squad.

Sincere thanks for the Rugby School and Bilton Grange colleagues who supported the logistics of the IAPS Kenya visit.