Students Rose to the Challenge at Trust-Wide Rugby Tournament Ahead of England’s National Semi-Final Match

On Wednesday 18th October, students from Years 7 to 10 across nine secondary schools in Norfolk and north Suffolk, took part in a rugby tournament at Norwich Rugby Football Club, as part of the Inspiration Trust sports competition programme. 

On a warm and windy autumn day, 8 simultaneous matches were played across the expansive grounds at Norwich Rugby Football Club, with in excess of 100 matches played in total throughout the day. With regards to safety, there were two pools running in each age group, Pool A playing a game of rugby 7s and Pool B playing tag rugby.  

The day’s matches were made possible thanks to the support of referees from the Norfolk Society and sports leaders, coordinating each game, and keeping count of the points earned.  

Every student involved in the games gave their all, working together as a team and showing outstanding sportsmanship, congratulating their fellow teammates and opponents for their excellent gameplay.  

Paul Wayman, Inspiration Trust Sports Coordinator said:  

"Wow, this was as competitive as they come! We were extremely well blessed with the facilities and the weather at Norwich RFC, the pitches were immaculate. The atmosphere was electric, the students were well up for it and the school staff were highly enthusiastic throughout the day. A special thanks must go out to the Norfolk Society referees for facilitating the day. Once again, our respective secondary school communities should be immensely proud of the determination and character of all who came to compete." 

Bronze, silver and gold medals were given to each of the players for third, second and first place in each Year Group. Those that that took first place also took home a shield which will be engraved with their school and Year Group and will take pride of place at the school’s award cabinet. The results of the day’s tournament were as follows: 

Year 7 – Thetford Academy 

Year 8 – King Edward VII Academy 

Year 9 – Thetford Academy 

Year 10 – Hethersett Academy  

Individual awards were also given to students who gave a particularly outstanding performance. These included: 

Year 7: 

Year 8: 

Year 9: 

Year 10: