‘England expects’: International Recognition for RGS Rugby player, LoÏc
It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Upper Sixth student, LoÏc Keasey who has been selected to form part of the Under 18 England International squad that will tour South Africa this summer. RGS Worcester received notification from the England Rugby Football Union (RFU) last week and we were thrilled to hear the fantastic news of LoÏc’s selection.
LoÏc will join the Under 18 International squad, formed of 26 of the country’s best and most promising Rugby players to compete in the Under 18 International Series, which will take place in Cape Town this summer. The Tour will consist of three fixtures; Friday 19 August 2022, Tuesday 23 August 2022, Saturday 27 August 2022, and this event is used to lay the foundations for the upcoming Under 18 England International season.
LoÏc said: “It is a great honour to represent my country as part of this England squad. Thank you to all who have supported me; both my fellow teammates and RGS Rugby coaches, former professional players, Rob Lewis and Aleki Lutui, who have inspired and challenged me during training sessions at RGS.”
Head of Rugby, Robert Lewis, said: “This is a tremendous achievement for LoÏc, who is now benefitting from the hard hours of diligent work he has put in over the course of the season. LoÏc is supported by the RGS Elite Athletic Development Programme, providing him with rounded athletic support including strength and conditioning, nutrition and psychology, whilst balancing his Academic studies with high level Sport.”
Mr Lewis added, “The philosophy of our Rugby provision at RGS is driven by two aspects: on-the-field is our ‘Mini-to-Modus’ where pupils are developed throughout their school Rugby careers in technique, skill and tactical awareness. The second aspect is off-the-field, where we encompass our ‘Modus-to-Mini’ where our Senior Rugby players are role models for Lower and Middle School pupils. LoÏc, as well as others, have offered their free time to assist with coaching and guiding the younger generations, with LoÏc delivering a weekly ‘Masterclass’ with the up and coming Hookers across the age groups. He really leads by example with our philosophy.”
Headmaster, John Pitt, said: “Many congratulations to LoÏc for his selection for the England squad. As one of only 26 players and only 2 who play his position, this is a remarkable achievement. I have to say I am not entirely surprised having seen him develop in his Rugby career throughout his time at the School, and playing for Worcester. He has also been a Judo champion and achieved many accolades. LoÏc is an excellent role model for younger pupils at RGS. He works hard to improve all the time and always displays excellent sportsmanship.”
RGS players from across the School have also gained recognition in Rugby and achieved well-deserved representative honours, which highlights the true standards, potential and future of Rugby at RGS.
Congratulations to the following pupils on their selection for the following teams Regional and National squads:
Worcester Warriors Academy – Developing Player Programme (DPP)
Middle School pupils: Liam Chadwick, Charlie Blunt, Oscar Richardson, Harvey Shaw and Haydn Parkes
Worcestershire and North Midlands Under 17 squad
Ben Atkins, Will Oates, Ben Chadwick, Harry Hollingsworth, Oliver Blunt
Worcestershire and North Midlands Under 18 squad
Ben Gaubert
Worcester Warriors Under 17 and Under 18 squad
LoÏc Keasey, Joe Whitbread, Harry Ramsey
England Under 18 squad
LoÏc Keasey