Activate Rugby Academy celebrated the success of its first-ever 7s rugby competition held in Oxford.
Educational institutions from nationwide travelled to Oxford Rugby Club for this fresh event, created to enhance access to professionally organised 7s rugby for both boys’ and girls’ sides.
The competition, established through City of Oxford College and University Centre’s rugby programme, was intended to provide college players with important competitive opportunities prior to the Rosslyn Park 7s tournament.
The fixture showcased a diverse range of squads.
In the boys’ division, apart from Activate Rugby Academy, participants comprised outfits from Peter Symonds, Newman College, St Regis, Stourport, Samuel Whitbread, Richard Huish, Esher College, Beechen Cliff, Abingdon School, Impington, Ashton on Mersey, Farnborough College, Hartpury, Magdalen College and SGS College.
The girls’ competition featured squads from SGS College, Esher College, Peter Symonds A, Newman College, Samuel Whitbread, Peter Symonds B, Worthing College and Richard Huish.
The day concluded with boys’ and girls’ championship matches, marking the event’s achievement for Activate Rugby Academy and strengthening connections between college and school rugby schemes.
The boys’ championship resulted in Stourport defeating Abingdon School 26-12, while the girls’ final saw SGS College overcome Newman College with a 32-7 scoreline.
Tom Redfern, Head of Boys’ Rugby at Activate Rugby Academy, remarked that the day had been wonderful for all participants. Bringing together numerous strong rugby programmes for their first tournament had produced precisely the kind of valuable experience that aids players and teams in developing. Such occasions allow their group opportunities to challenge themselves, grow stronger as a unit and continue progressing in a competitive setting, and he expressed great pride in how the academy players performed throughout the day.
Caroline Purdom, Group Director overseeing Activate Rugby Academy, highlighted that the tournament represented more than just rugby. It had served as an important chance to cultivate connections with other rugby programmes, host partners from throughout the sector in Oxford and establish an event that the organisers hope will expand in coming years, providing additional opportunities for young people to connect, compete and grow through the sport.
Gratitude was expressed to the Friends of Activate Rugby Academy for their work in arranging the event, alongside sponsors Rhino Rugby, VenaTour, Apex Mouthguards, TClark Ltd, Proelio HR and NextGen.
Activate Rugby Academy, operating as part of City of Oxford College and University Centre, helps talented players between 16 and 18 years old manage their academic studies alongside elite rugby development.
The initiative supports both player and learner progression, aiding advancement in sport, education and future career paths.