To celebrate an incredible run of pupil success stories in rugby, our Head of Rugby Nick Williams chatted this week with Kieron S, Teddy T, Will S and Will D.
Kieron S (Year 11, B)
Kieron, what have the last few months looked like for you?
“My rugby has developed significantly following a demanding preseason, which led into a highly successful campaign both at school level and through my involvement with the Bath U16 Academy. At school, we reached the fourth round of the Continental National Cup – the furthest any of our teams have progressed in recent years. Being selected for the Bath U16 Academy has helped me further refine my skill set and push myself against top-level opposition, with fixtures against the likes of Bristol Bears Academy and Harlequins Academy providing invaluable experience.”
How has Bryanston and our Bears Rugby Club supported you in your development?
“I’ve received tremendous support throughout my journey, both on the pitch and with my strength and conditioning development. The school’s Performance Sports Programme has played a huge role in helping me improve and maximise my abilities as a player. The support from both the school and Bears Rugby has been invaluable in helping me progress and continue developing my game.”
What teams outside of school have you played with in the last six months?
“Wimborne Rugby Club and Bath U16 Academy.”
Anything exciting coming up soon for you?
“I’m really looking forward to both the Bath Academy and Bryanston pre-season programmes this summer. Having experienced the school’s pre-season last year, I know how beneficial and enjoyable it is, so I’m excited to get involved again. I’m also eager to continue pushing myself outside of my comfort zone through a school exchange at Palmerston North Boys’ High School in New Zealand. It will be a completely different environment both academically and in rugby terms, but it’s an opportunity I’m confident will help me grow as both a player and a person while experiencing the culture and rugby heritage that New Zealand is renowned for.”
Teddy T (Year 11, B)
What have the last few months looked like for you and what teams have you been involved in?
“Outside of school, I have been involved with both the Bermuda U19s and Men’s Training Squads. The past few months have been particularly challenging as I worked my way back to full contact following an eight-month injury layoff due to a broken collarbone. Recovery has tested me mentally and physically – especially as someone who always likes to stay active – but I’m pleased to say I’m back working hard and looking forward to getting back out on the pitch with my teammates when the season begins.”
How has the Bears Rugby Club supported your training?
“I’ve felt supported every step of the way since joining D in September 2023. In particular, the support I’ve received over the past eight months during my rehabilitation has meant a great deal to me. It’s been a challenging period, and I didn’t expect the level of off-field support I was given. I’m extremely grateful for all the encouragement and backing throughout my recovery journey.”
Can you tell us about the Bermuda Squad?
“There is a Bermuda U19 squad touring to Querétaro, Mexico, this summer, and I’m hoping to be selected alongside my brother. Rugby Americas North features six competing teams, so it would be a fantastic opportunity and a proud moment for us both if we were chosen to represent Bermuda on tour.”
Will S (Year 10, C)
What have the last few months been like for you?
“Since September, I have been involved with the Bath PDG Development Squad and, more recently, progressed into the Pre-Academy set-up. The experience has been hugely beneficial for my development, allowing me to challenge myself in a high-performance environment and continue improving my game.”
How has the Bears Rugby Club supported you?
“The support I’ve received has been incredible. Whenever I’ve lacked confidence, there have always been rugby coaches and staff members available to help and guide me. Knowing there is always someone to talk to or turn to for advice has made a huge difference to my development both on and off the pitch.”
What are you hoping to achieve next?
“My main focus is simply to play well for myself, my family and my school, and hopefully the rest will take care of itself. Looking ahead to the next stage of my rugby journey, I’m aiming to continue developing within the Academy pathway and hopefully earn the opportunity to represent Bath consistently.”
Will D (Year 11, B)
What have the last few months looked like for you, rugby wise?
“The past few months have flown by and brought plenty of new challenges and step-ups, including being invited into Bath’s U17s group. I was delighted with the opportunity, although I knew it would be a tough environment to step into. The players were incredibly welcoming and the coaching has been excellent. Being exposed to a higher standard of rugby has really pushed me on and helped accelerate my development.”
Any highlights from those games?
“Two of the matches were played at iconic stadiums – The Rec and Welford Road – and it was an incredible experience to play at grounds you grow up watching on television. It made the occasions feel really special. I was fortunate enough to score tries in both games; they may not have been the most spectacular, but a try is a try. Hopefully, I’ll have the chance to play at those venues again in the future.”
What does the next year of rugby look like for you?
“With a long summer of pre-season ahead, I’m really looking forward to the upcoming Bears pre-season and the season that follows. It’s a great opportunity to put in the hard work, build fitness levels and prepare properly for the new campaign. There’s a real buzz around the programme at the moment, with new personnel coming in and a huge amount of effort being invested behind the scenes. The squad is fully committed, and I’m excited to get started and hopefully help contribute towards a successful season ahead.”
