Rugby, Respect and Raw Determination on Show at This Year’s Inspiration Trust Secondary Tournament 

All nine Inspiration Trust secondary schools came together at Norwich Rugby Club on Thursday 26th March 2026 for the annual Rugby 7s Tournament. Schools entered teams from Years 7–10 into the new all-contact format, with competition matches taking place simultaneously across six pitches throughout the day. 

Our students showcased athleticism, teamwork, and commitment. The fast-paced fixtures were exciting to watch, with players demonstrating impressive defensive skills and powerful tackles, all while consistently applying safe techniques. The sportsmanship on show was exceptional - players supported each other, checked in on opponents after big challenges, and showed great respect for officials and their fellow competitors. Whether experienced players or relative newcomers, every student gave their all and represented their schools with pride.

A team of student leaders from Hethersett Academy and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form played a vital role in the running of the event. They took charge of scorekeeping, timekeeping, and managing the results desk—an essential task given the players’ eagerness to track how each result affected the standings. Many of these leaders had some rugby experience beforehand and each one stepped up with confidence and enthusiasm. Their contribution was invaluable, and the event simply could not have run as smoothly without them.

Gareth Stevens (CEO) said, 

“It was a real pleasure to see the Inspiration Trust Rugby Festival take place yesterday at Norwich Rugby Club, with all nine of our secondary schools coming together and, for many pupils, experiencing contact rugby for the first time. It was fantastic to see students from Years 7 to 10 taking part with such enthusiasm, commitment and skill.

I was so pleased not only to see great rugby on show, but also the ethos and respect that mark rugby out as a sport with such a special character. The way our students competed, supported one another and represented their schools was outstanding.

Over the next few years, our vision at Inspiration Trust is for every one of our schools to be recognised as a place of rugby excellence. We want to build a culture and standard of performance that enables us to challenge other state and independent schools on the rugby pitch with real confidence.

Rugby resonates directly with the values of Inspiration Trust, and I am incredibly excited by what can be achieved in the near future.” 

Paul Wayman (Trust Sports Coordinator) would like to add his thanks and appreciation to Norwich Rugby Club, Sports Leaders, Norfolk Society of Referees, David Savage and UEA Sport for providing excellent officiating and supporting the smooth running of the day. 

Players of the Tournament

Rugby Winners