Uppingham School Rugby Club embraces the demands of the sport to help pupils become strong, compassionate, resilient and altruistic individuals.
Our rugby coaches care deeply for the game, but most importantly for the admirable individuals it enables our to pupils become. No matter how far pupils go as a player, we ensure that their participation in rugby develops confidence, self-control, self-responsibility, positivity and respect for others.
We create a positive and challenging environment for our players, and aim to develop leaders and decision-makers on and off the pitch. As a constantly evolving game, rugby requires pupils to solve problems, innovate and adapt to changing rules and demands. In every training session and every game, we promote game understanding, skill acquisition and enjoyment.
Our 1st XV decide on our direction. They have devised the values and behaviours we must follow to achieve our mission of being 'Warriors on the pitch, gentlemen in life'. The players have also chosen to 'Play to Inspire' – developing a lightning-fast brand of rugby that excites everyone involved in the game.
Rugby is played in the autumn term, with up to 16 teams competing on matchdays. Rugby 7s has been successfully introduced at U18 and U16 level in the spring term.
Outside school, our pupils play representative rugby for the county, region and even national teams. We enjoy close links with Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints, and we have a number of players on their Developing Players programmes. Uppingham School is now proudly a Leicester Tigers 'Good to Great School' – a fantastic recognition of the hard work put in by our players and staff.
Coaching
The Director of Rugby, former Leicester Tigers player and renowned rugby coach Ian Smith, oversees Uppingham's rugby programme. Uppingham School is an accredited Coach Education Centre for the RFU, and we have regular coach development courses and INSET training.
Facilities
The Leicester playing fields are dedicated to rugby in the autumn and spring terms, with three full-size pitches. A further six rugby pitches are located at the Middle playing fields, where rugby is played alongside the other field sports on offer. A bespoke gym enables our players to strengthen their bodies for rugby, helping to improve performance and prevent injury.
Competitions
In addition to weekly and traditional block fixtures against other schools, the 1st XV and U15 teams participate in national competitions, such as the Schools Cup and the National Schools 7s. Within the school there are keenly contested inter-house competitions at senior, junior and U14 level.