News
Six Old Millfieldians called up for England rugby duty
Congratulations to the six Old Millfieldian rugby players named in England squads today.
Three ex-pupils are in Stuart Lancaster's England squad for the upcoming tour to South Africa. Anthony Allen (Kingweston 2003-05) and Jonathan Joseph (St Annes 2007-09) will join recently named Premiership player of the year Chris Robshaw (Prep and Butleigh, 1997-2004) on the tour in June.
Three more OMs will represent England in the IRB sevens at Twickenham this weekend: John Brake (St Annes 1999-2006), Tom Powell (2002-04, Holmcroft) and Matthew Turner (Kingweston 2007, nominated for IRB sevens player of the year).
See the links below for more information:
http://www.rfu.com/News/2012/May/NewsArticles/100512_England_squad_SA.aspx
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18006349
Director of Rugby John Mallett comments on schools' rugby competition
Read more in the Rugby Coach Weekly (pdf 3.17mb)
Millfieldians feature in England Squads
From U18s to senior internationals, the latest international squads are littered with present and past Millfieldians.
As we head rapidly towards the 6 Nations tournament, we are delighted to announce that both Tom Bellak and James Bloxham have been selected to play for England U18s against Wales on 24 January. They join Tom Ellis and Max Northcote-Green in the England age-group set up, with Grant McConnell and Robbie Tait looming as opposition in the Scotland U18s. Millfield's seniors enjoyed a strong Autumn term, testimony to the work of John Mallett in his first season in the role of Director of Rugby.
The boys will be aiming to emulate one of their recent role models, with the elevation of 2009 Millfield 1st XV Captain Henry Thomas to the England Saxons Squad. Thomas is joined by Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Allen in what is the official England back-up squad, which itself contests a home-nations series before working towards the Churchill Cup at the end of the season.
And at the head of the pile, Chris Robshaw has returned to the full England Squad, with many tipping him to Captain the side in the 6 Nations. Robshaw was a surprise omission from England's World Cup Squad over the summer, and has demanded his place while leading Harlequins to the top of the Aviva Premiership.
Millfield rugby team enjoy Dublin mini-tour
The Millfield rugby second string flew to Dublin last weekend to play against Blackrock College. The trip was intended as a mini-tour for Upper Sixth players who aren't currently playing for the first-team. Millfield played some promising rugby but were defeated 35-5 by strong opponents. After the match, players experienced some of the sights of Dublin and stayed with host families. Business Studies teacher Kevin Shelver accompanied the pupils with Deputy Head (Housing) Chris Seal.
Kevin said: "Blackrock offered us the opportunity to make the trip at fairly short notice and it was something that we all enjoyed. The boys produced a good display of rugby, despite the loss.
"Hopefully this will be the start of an on-going relationship between the two schools and we aim to make it an annual event."
Old Millfieldian Robshaw tipped for England Captaincy
Ian Chadband of the Daily Telegraph is one of many who believe Old Millfieldian Chris Robshaw could be among the solutions to England's current woes: "The clamour has been growing and Chris Robshaw relates with a rueful grin how his mum has been keeping tabs on it all. When Stuart Barnes began the chorus of acclamation, suggesting the Harlequins' flanker should be the next England rugby captain, Mrs Robshaw made sure she saved the newspaper cutting to show her boy, in case he had missed it." (Full story)
