The Hampden Hall was standing room only on Wednesday 13th February as 350 players, parents and guests joined us in celebrating the achievements of Emanuel School rugby.
19 teams across the whole school were represented from the U11B team through to the 1st XV. The evening highlighted the inclusion of such a large whole school programme, celebrating not only the achievements of the elite teams and performers but the progress and value added by all of the participating boys.
The evening was very much ‘player-led’ with team captains reflecting on the highs and lows of the season, praising their peers and coaches, allowing the staff to enjoy reflecting on the season through the players eyes. A total of three awards were presented to each team and 57 awards across the school; the Emanuel rugby ACE XV award recognising achievement, community and effort in school rugby; the breakthrough player of the year award and the coaches player of the year award.
The evening was concluded with the senior rugby presentations; 1st XV scrum half Oscar was named ACE XV player of the year for his contribution to rugby this season. 1st XV fly half Ivan was named as the breakthrough player of the year and Joe was named as the coaches’ player of the year.
The prestigious Dick Woodall Trophy was presented to 1st XV captain and sports scholar George for his outstanding contribution to rugby both on and off the field during his time at Emanuel School. His name will be added to the honours list and archives, adding to a rich history of recipients before him.
The evening closed with the ‘changing of the guard’ ceremony where outgoing 1st XV captain George and vice captain Gabriele handed over the 1st XV jersey and match ball to the new 1st XV captain Oscar and vice captain Finn for the forthcoming 2019-2020 season.
Mr Gaynor (Director of Rugby)