RGS Worcester Earns Thrilling Modus Challenge Cup Win
On Monday 7 November The RGS Worcester Family of Schools united to support the 1st XV Rugby Squad at Sixways Stadium as they played in the 15th Modus Challenge Cup against King’s School. This year’s game was an exhilarating display of Senior School talent, dedication and teamwork which secured a thrilling win for RGS Worcester and earned both local and national press coverage, including the Daily Mail.
In difficult conditions, with heavy rain falling, both teams exhibited great skill, contributing to a close game which saw RGS triumph 20-17. Having gone into a 10-0 lead, RGS found themselves 17-10 behind early in the second half. Showing superb teamwork and determination, RGS dominated the second period, scoring the winning try and conversion late in the second half to be crowned The Modus Challenge Cup winners for 2022.
Head of Rugby, Mr Rob Lewis said “These young men have had the great honour and privilege to represent RGS Worcester at one of the biggest school sporting events of the year, and I would like to take this moment, on behalf of all the players and coaching staff, to give thanks to the hard work and dedication that has gone on behind the scenes in order to continue the event, through the difficult and unusual circumstances this year with Worcester Warriors and Sixways Stadium. I would also like to thank Mrs Sturdy for her tireless efforts and support in the run up to the match.
The Sixways Stadium and RGS supporters provided an incredible atmosphere and really spurred our players on, pushing them to the final whistle and victory. The game was played in the right spirit and both sides gave their all, demonstrating the core values that Rugby provides”.
The RGS 1st XV squad contained several players who have had the opportunity to represent RGS in the Modus Challenge Cup for the second time and who have been at The RGS Worcester Family of Schools throughout their entire education.
The development of this talent is a superb testament to the quality and commitment to Sport at RGS Worcester, and to the Rugby Programme and Senior Rugby Squad. Vice Captain of the 1st XV Squad, Joe Whitbread commented “Having been at RGS since I was two years old, playing in The Modus Challenge Cup has been a huge privilege” and added “running out of the tunnel onto the Sixways Pitch was an incredibly proud moment for me and my family”.
True camaraderie and sportsmanship were on show at Sixways Stadium. Vice Captain Dan Hadley said “it has been an honour to represent the RGS family in this match. The Rugby Programme and the entire Modus Challenge Cup Squad is indebted to the Senior Rugby Squad as everyone has come together to train as one team, highlighting the tight culture created within the Rugby Programme”.
Final comments came from Captain of the 1st XV Rugby Squad, Loïc Keasey, who has recently been selected for the England Under 18 Rugby Training Camp, which you can read more about here.
Loïc comments, “Monday night was an incredibly special evening for everyone involved and it was a true honour to play in front of friends and family”. Loïc also gave thanks to Head of Rugby, Mr Robert Lewis and the rest of the RGS Worcester coaching staff for their “tireless support and encouragement”.
The fixture was again streamed live on YouTube so if you were unable to attend, or want to relive the thrilling RGS victory, please click here to watch.
We would like to thank Sixways for allowing our team once again to play at Worcester’s iconic stadium. Our very grateful thanks also goes to Guy Marson at Modus for sponsoring the event for the 15th time in succession. Thank you also to everyone involved in organising the fixture from both schools and to everyone who attended and supported the team.
Now in its 15th Year, the annual Modus Challenge Cup fixture at Sixways Stadium also provides an opportunity for both Schools to raise funds for the event’s chosen charity, Wooden Spoon. Wooden Spoon is the children’s charity of Rugby, funding life-changing projects that support children and young people with disabilities or living in disadvantaged conditions. Since 1983 Wooden Spoon has funded more than 1,300 projects across the UK and Ireland. Providing support worth over £29 million pounds. Discover more about Wooden Spoon and their valuable work here.
