St. Edward's College - Rugby Tradition

Rugby Tradition

During the Second World War the pupils were evacuated to Llanelli, Wales. The game of rugby was already played before the war but when the pupils returned from Llanelli the tradition of playing rugby began in earnest. In particular, this period established the tradition of St. Edward's playing Union, rather than League, rugby. Since then, the school has produced rugby stars such as England internationals Mike Slemen,Ted Rudd and Kyran Bracken.

The school has a fine track record in both the fifteen and seven man game, with tournament wins at Ampleforth and Rosslyn Park.

It is common for rugby players and students to go to the Catholic institute (the C.I) after a game and has become a strong tradition. The C.I has earned affectionate nicknames over the years such as "The Cizzler" and "Cee-zies" and is the starting venue for the annual rugby night out.

The team had its finest hours during the mid-1960s, when the 1st XV side went unbeaten for 3 years and won many sevens competitions.

The Under 16's team of 2004-5 won the Liverpool St Helens U16 Floodlit Cup and recently embarked on a tour of New Zealand where it became the first team to score against Auckland Grammar School in almost two years.

The Under 18 7's squad of 2011 reached the last sixteen of the National Schools Sevens held at Rossyln Park beating opposition such as Elsemere College and also secured plate wins at Birkenhead and Ampleforth sevens.