The 2023 Modus Challenge Cup Unites Generations at RGS Worcester
There was much excitement on Sunday as the RGS community united to support the 2023 Modus Challenge Cup match. The RGS Worcester 1st XV Rugby team played valiantly against a well-drilled King’s Worcester side, at the impressive Sixways Stadium.
Both teams kept the 4,000 strong crowd of spectators on the edge of their seats, in what was a thrilling game of Rugby. Sadly, RGS lost out on being crowned Modus Challenge Cup winners this year after their success in 2022.
Head of Rugby, Mr Rob Lewis said: “It was amazing to witness our 1st XV Rugby squad representing the School at the impressive Sixways Stadium, something they all have been looking forward to and worked hard for over the course of their school lives. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and created life-long memories for these young men.
RGS supporters provided an incredible atmosphere and really spurred our players on, unfortunately, we were unable to convert some vital opportunities and congratulations to the opposition on the victory. The game was played in the right spirit and both sides gave it their all, demonstrating the core values that Rugby provides. We again look forward to next year’s Modus Challenge Cup match.”
The fixture was streamed live via YouTube. If you could not attend the match please click here to watch.
Now in its 16th year, this annual 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 disadvantage. Since 1983, Wooden Spoon has funded more than 1,300 projects, across the UK and Ireland, providing support worth £29 million. Discover more about Wooden Spoon and their valuable work here.
This year’s Modus squad at RGS Worcester had a special touch of family tradition, with four fathers proudly having attended RGS Worcester themselves. The connection between generations added an extra layer of pride and legacy to the fixture. Andy Halkon, proud parent of Daniel Halkon, who captained the team in this Rugby match, shared his thoughts: “Daniel started his time at RGS The Grange at the tender age of 2½ years old! Rugby was always on his agenda whilst there, he took an immediate shine to it which continued into the Senior School where contact Rugby came in to play, and he’s never lost interest. Daniel’s RGS Rugby journey to culminate in him playing second row in three Modus Cup fixtures and becoming the 1st XV Captain in his last year, makes his Mother and I very proud and we will treasure the memories. Finally, Rugby, as we know, is an excellent Sport for creating friendships, and that is what Daniel has gained from his years here, as in the squad on Sunday were a few lads who have played together since the beginning. A fabulous journey to reflect on in years to come, creating amazing friendships to last a lifetime. For that, I am very grateful and look forward to watching more RGS Rugby in the future”.
Simon Secretan, proud parent and Father of Josh commented on the fixture saying “I was certainly the most nervous, as a non-participant, I have ever been at any sporting event. The nerves had little to do with the outcome but were focused on Josh, and all the players, making the most of the opportunity but importantly enjoying the experience. It was great to see Rugby back at Sixways with both teams delivering high quality entertainment, but King’s School executed their game plan perfectly, minimised the mistakes, and deserved their victory. Josh moved to RGS to play more Rugby and test himself at a higher level. There are so many great Rugby schools in the region and the level of Rugby this season seems higher than ever. Playing against some amazing teams RGS have been competitive in all fixtures and never seems to give up regardless of the scoreline. Josh has worked tirelessly, both in training, on the pitch and in the gym to give himself the best chance of being included in this fixture. He was justifiably proud to be selected to the starting XV. His pride was only a fraction of his Father’s seeing him in the green of RGS, holding his head high, in front of so many people”.
Despite the loss parent David Timmington spoke from his own experience of playing against King’s at Rugby, commenting: “I feel their pain! Having played three games myself, drawn one and lost two, I know how devastated they will be with this loss. But they battled throughout and can hold their heads high. Charlie had a great year playing 1st XV Rugby. He has grown in confidence and stature, having fallen back in love with the game. Despite the result, I’m sure, like me, he’ll look back with fond memories of being involved in such a landmark fixture.”
James Callow, Parent of Vice Captain Joe Callow echoed what other parents have said: “Joe has been at RGS since 3 years old at the Grange and playing in this fixture has been top of his list for as long as he can remember. He has thoroughly enjoyed his Rugby at RGS and has often said that it will be one of the things he will miss most when he moves on after Sixth Form, he has forged some great friendships which I’m sure will be lifelong. There were a few in the game that have been together right from the start at The Grange including Dan Halkon, Ryan McGlynn and Charlie Timmington. I’m sure it will have been special for them to all play together again after so many years at School. Although I didn’t play rugby with Messrs Secretan, Halkon and Timmington, being only a mere 47, it was great to see the old boys cheering on their sons in today’s game. I’m not sure that that would be a regular occurrence to have that many old boys having sons in the game and may not be seen for a year or two.”