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2008 REVIEW SCHOOLS RUGBY Southern Hemisphere tours behind them, competition at the top is set to be tight. The incoming Wellington College Director of Sport, Steve Shortland, has a challenge to emulate last year’s success but the former Wasps and Headingly lock has built a good team around him. This season’s captain, Christian Lewis-Pratt, is one of eight players returning from the 2008 cup winning team. Seven time cup winners, Colston’s School will compete in the tournament for the first time in four years after withdrawing in 2005. They will not be the only West Country outfit with high expectations. Filton College, Ivybridge, Truro, Hartpury and Gloucester will all be mounting serious challenges for this year’s title. QEGS, Wakefield will pose a serious threat in the tournament, boasting two outstanding players in England flanker Joe Barker and centre Michael Forsyth, plus Declan Farrell, the Ireland prop. Steve Shortland’s former school, Millfield, have shown early potential – they are led by back row player Rhys Ruddock, son of Worcester Warriors and ex-Wales coach Mike Ruddock. Elsewhere, big things are expected of Tonbridge and Epsom College in the South-East, RGS Lancaster in the North, and Bromsgrove in the Midlands. n Left Merchiston Castle School (blue) win line-out ball on their way to winning the Scottish Schools’ U-18 trophy ROLL OF HONOUR PAST WINNERS DAILY MAIL U18 CUP 2000 Colston's Collegiate School DAILY MAIL U15 CUP 2000 Wellington College, Berkshire
2001 Epsom College 84 / CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES |