Rugby
Master in Charge: Liam Copley
Captain of Rugby 2011/12: Fraser Heathcote (School House)
The Leys has had a long reputation in rugby, which is the major boys' sport in the Autumn Term. In 2008 the Under 15's won the National Daily Mail Vase. The School is particularly proud of the number of boys that take part in the sport, and the level of opposition we compete against. With the completion of the Pavilion in August 2009, with its magnificent viewing balcony overlooking the 1st XV rugby pitch and the success of an unbeaten tour of Australia in 2010 the school continues to build a reputation in this area. The most recent International representative success for The Leys came in 2009 and 2010 with Will Hooley's inclusion in the England Under 16s and then England Under 18s squad. The school has produced 3 England U18s Fly Halves in the last decade.
The school aims to play a very attacking brand of rugby, with players encouraged to keep the ball in hand and develop recognition of space. Therefore, in the lower school the emphasis is placed on the mastering of basic skills in the game and the enjoyment of rugby, with the school fielding 2 competitive teams in each age group in these years. As our students progresses through the school these basic skills are built into a more complex understanding of the game and students are encouraged to become decision makers on the field.
The School has a number of teachers on its staff who are well qualified to coach rugby. The current Master in Charge of Rugby is a former professional player as is our principal forwards coach and the Common Room comprises of a number of staff with a wealth of playing and coaching experience.
Rugby is the major sport of the Autumn Term and The Leys fields teams at the following levels: 1st XV, 2nd XV, 3rd XV, U16As and Bs, U15 As and Bs and U14 As and Bs (Lent Term). The Junior Boarding House (Moulton House) fields an A and B team which plays against prep schools in the East Anglian region.
The Leys has a traditional fixture list of a very good standard - opposition schools include Mill Hill, Norwich School, Bishop's Stortford College, Felsted, RHS Holbrook, The Perse, Ipswich School and Gresham's. All matches are on Saturday afternoon, kick off 2:30pm.
In the Lent Term, both current and prospective 1st XV rugby players work with a Strength and Conditioning Coach on a weekly basis. The boys follow a weight training/strength programme as well as learn in more detail aspects of nutrition, diet and injury rehabilitation.
Rugby 7s
In the Lent term, senior boys continue with Sevens Rugby, building on and improving both handling and skill levels. The Senior 7s Team competes in a number of national 7s tournaments, including: Newark, Cambridge and Roslyn Park.
The Leys and Northampton Saints
The School has strong links with The Northampton Saints Academy. Talented rugby players in School attend the Eastern Counties Player Development sessions run monthly by the Northampton Saints Academy. From here it is hoped that the most exceptional players will be invited to join the Saints Junior Academy training largely during school holidays. The top coaches from The Saints Academy also come into School to run practices with the senior boys, passing on valuable advice about individual and position specific training programmes.
Rugby Tours
The Leys has a strong tradition of touring abroad, having travelled to Australia in 1985, 1996 and 2010, South Africa in 1999 and 2004 and New Zealand in 2007.