It should be noted initially that the rugby programme is very much geared towards getting as many pupils loving the game on leaving and still keen to play their skills in the many different environments they find themselves in. Many have continued to play at university and the club game and whether in the 1st XV or the Social XV have certainly shown the value of being part of a tight knit group that will leave you with new friends for life. 

This year sport has faced huge challenges and no more than rugby. Those at the grass roots level have seen the season disappear and for many who need the school, club and university team from a playing and well-being viewpoint have certainly not found it easy. The only teams playing are at the top of the pyramid and so the exposure of those actually able to play has been more evident this year. It has also highlighted how many Old Felstedians have been playing at this level, and following their journey has been exciting. 

Max Malins (aged 24 - Saracens/Bristol and England) has been hitting the headlines for sometime, but this was the season he made his full England debut and Six Nations debut. He earned a starting spot in the game against France and this was certainly the highlight of England’s Six Nations. He was also selected to start against Ireland but unfortunately picked up an injury in training, seeing him not fit to be involved. Max will now rejoin Bristol in the Premiership, who are currently leading the league, and we look forward to seeing him return to action for them.

Rory Hutchinson (aged 25 - Northampton Saints and Scotland) and Ehren Painter (23 - Northampton Saints and England U20s) have been heavily involved with Northampton Saints in the Premiership this season with some outstanding performances. Rory has now played for the 1st XV 74 times and Ehren, who is on 47, is getting closer to making his 50th appearance.

 
James Lennon (Bedford), having played for Munster, has started the belated season playing regularly in the Championship. James ‘Jiffy’ is a pacy 9 with superb service off both hands. He has been involved in all three of the Bedford Blues matches so far this season, starting two and coming off the bench for the other, he has recently signed a new contract with the club.  Ellie-Louise Lennon is Jiffy’s younger sister and she is part of the Saracens squad. 

Alexander Marka, aged 24, recently made his international Rugby full debut for Austria in a win over Norway. Alexander currently plays for Munich RFC alongside studying Medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and is due to become a qualified doctor later this year. 

Recent leavers Oliver Stonham (20 - Saracens and England U20s), Tristan Smith (19 - Saracens and England U20s) and Sam Bryan (19 - Saracens/Ampthill and England U18s) are also starting their Championship season. Samuel and Tristan both signed a four year contract with Saracens when they left Felsted last summer and Samuel has also signed a loan contract with Ampthill RFC who are also in the Championship. This will allow him to get senior rugby experience for Ampthill whilst training full time with Saracens. He has been involved in their last two league matches. Oliver has made starts for the 1st XV and Tristan has just represented England U20s. 

Obinna N (18), who is currently in the Upper Sixth and is also in Saracens Academy, attended the England U18s training camp in March 2021 and will hope of some fixtures in the near future.

We look forward to continuing to follow their rugby journeys and look forward to inviting them back to Felsted to keep inspiring the current generation - CSK

We are proud of their achievements, all are a credit to Felsted Rugby and the school and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.
 

Mr C Knightley, Director of Sport & Andrew Le Chevalier, Director of Rugby

Rugby at Felsted