Strong Foundations and National Ambition for RGS Rugby

Rugby at RGS Worcester has continued to grow in strength and ambition in recent years, supported by experienced coaching, national competition opportunities and a clear development pathway for pupils through the School.

Rugby at RGS Worcester continues to develop with strong momentum under the leadership of Head of Rugby, Mr Rob Lewis, whose professional and international playing experience is helping shape the programme’s growth across all age groups.

A former Welsh professional scrum-half, Mr Lewis represented Wales at Under 19, Under 21 and national Sevens level and was selected for the Barbarians. His professional career included time with London Welsh, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons and Birmingham Moseley. That experience of elite preparation and tactical discipline now informs the standards and structure of Rugby at RGS.

Mr Lewis is supported by a coaching team with considerable professional and international experience. The department includes RFU Level Four and Level Three coaches and RFU Coach Developers, alongside former international players representing England, Wales and Tonga.

Among them is Mr Aleki Lutui, a former Tonga international and three-time Rugby World Cup player who earned 38 caps and played professionally for Worcester Warriors, Gloucester Rugby and Edinburgh. His expertise in set-piece play and elite physical preparation brings valuable international experience to the programme. Mr Chris Gemmell, who represented England at Under 18 and Under 20 level and played in the Premiership, also contributes extensive knowledge of youth performance pathways and long-term athlete development.

The wider coaching team further strengthens provision, with former England international, Premiership and current Worcester Warriors player Matt Kvesic working alongside Ollie Allsop and Hugh Taylor. Collectively, the staff bring experience from professional environments including Worcester Warriors, Gloucester Rugby, Edinburgh, Leeds Tykes, London Welsh, Cardiff and the Dragons, providing pupils with exposure to standards aligned with professional rugby.

Since Mr Lewis’s appointment, the School has seen encouraging competitive progress across the age groups. Squad depth has increased, performances have strengthened and RGS Worcester secured victory in this year’s Modus Cup at Sixways Stadium, the traditional conclusion to the Michaelmas term Rugby season.

The School also competes nationally at the Rosslyn Park National School Sevens with both boys and girls teams. RGS co-hosts The Schools Championship 7s at Sixways Stadium and, this year was one of only two new schools selected to take part in the prestigious Sedbergh National Tens Tournament, placing RGS Worcester alongside the most established and high performing Rugby schools in the country.

Rugby development begins at RGS The Grange, where pupils are introduced to the game through Touch Rugby before progressing through modified formats and into contact Rugby at the appropriate stage when they are ready. The professional coaches work with the pupils at prep and senior levels. This structure ensures continuity in coaching philosophy and skills development as pupils move through the School.

For pupils aspiring to compete at higher levels, development is increasingly targeted. RGS Worcester maintains strong working relationships with local Academies, including local Gloucester and Coventry Academies. This provides careful management of player workload while supporting progression into elite pathways. These relationships also help support pupils pursuing University Scholarships at leading Rugby-playing institutions. A significant number of RGS Rugby players have gone on to play for Premiership and Championship Clubs, as well as representing their country at international level.

RGS Worcester is the sole educational partner of the Worcester Warriors which provides additional opportunities for pupils to experience Sixways Stadium, Premiership coaching and inspirational engagement with current players. The relationship with the Warriors is extremely strong and developing all the time following their return this season.

The Rugby programme at RGS operates within a clear framework of support. Both the Headmaster and Director of Sport bring experience from other major Rugby-playing schools and continue to support the strategic direction of Rugby at RGS Worcester, ensuring pupils balance sporting development with academic priorities and other co-curricular interests. At heart, always lies each player’s wellbeing with a holistic approach adopted across the School.

Through experienced leadership, professional coaching insight, links with clubs and Academies and structured development pathways, Rugby at RGS Worcester continues to build with confidence, offering pupils the opportunity to develop their game within a strong academic environment.