Whitgift Rugby – The Future is Bright

The future looks incredibly promising for Whitgift Rugby, following a year of strong performances and clear progress across all age groups. The school’s commitment to developing a high-quality rugby programme at every level is beginning to pay dividends, with visible improvements and impressive achievements throughout the season. 

Led by Chris Wilkins (Director of Rugby), Whitgift’s coaching team blends seasoned experience with fresh, ambitious voices, creating a collaborative environment where excellence and continual improvement are the norm. Their close-knit working dynamic off the field directly translates into success on it. 

Notably, Tom Stradwick’s recent appointment as Head Coach of Blackheath RFC, alongside Chris Wilkins' ongoing role as Head Coach at Esher RFC, highlights the calibre of Whitgift’s coaching talent. It’s a clear sign that the School is operating at the top end of both the semi-professional club game and elite schoolboy rugby. 

While Whitgift is rightly proud of alumni who have gone on to the Premiership and international stage - including Elliot Daly (England & British & Irish Lions), Lasha Jaiani (Georgia), Matt Gallagher (Italy), and Piers Von Dadelszen (Canada) - it also recognises the many former students thriving in the Championship and National Leagues. These players often combine high-level semi-professional rugby with academic success and professional careers, demonstrating the all-round development fostered at Whitgift. 

Tours, Tournaments, and Triumphs 

This academic year saw the U13s embark on a memorable tour to Dubai in February, while 52 members of the 1st and 2nd XVs are set to tour Canada this summer. These invaluable experiences provide vital opportunities for team bonding, development, and preparation ahead of the new season. 

Across all age groups, Whitgift teams have achieved exceptional success: 

• U12s – Winners, John Fisher 9-a-side 
• U13s – Undefeated at Surrey 7s and Rosslyn Park 7s 
• U14s – National Cup Champions 
• U15s – Winners, Surrey 7s and John Fisher Founders Day 7s 
• U16s – National Cup Semi-Finalists 
• 1st XV – Top 10 in the country, Cup Quarter-Finalists, Winners of Ipswich 7s and UR 7s 

Whitgift Alumni in the Adult Game 

Championship: 

• Coventry RFC – Jonathon Benz-Solomon 
• Hartpury RFC – Aristot Benz-Solomon 
• London Scottish RFC – Noach Ferdinand, Sean Kerr, Jake Murray (on loan from Harlequins) 
• Richmond RFC – Jake Monson 
• Chinnor RFC – Connor Slevin (loan from Harlequins), Harry Dugmore 

National League 1 & 2: 

• Rosslyn Park RFC – Harry Ledger 
• Blackheath RFC – Tom Stradwick (Head Coach), Henry Wheadon (Lineout Coach), Sam Morley, Ed Dunford 
• Esher RFC – Chris Wilkins (Head Coach), Jacob Morris, Piero Noah, Joe Vanner, Cameron Wilkins, Oliver Norris, Gabriel Sereki, Fergus Donnelly, Charlie Beckett, Fola Adedeji 
• Guernsey RFC – Niall McGann 
• Westcombe Park RFC – Taine Wagstaff, Marc Muhleman, Tom Griffiths 
• Loughborough University (BUCS & Nat 2) – Haydn Rees 
• Exeter University (BUCS & Nat 2) – Jamie Miller, Ben Abraham 

Welsh Premiership: 

• Aberavon RFC – Felix Gilbert 

 

“We’re extremely proud of all our former students, no matter what level they reach. From Premiership players and internationals to those thriving in the semi-professional leagues while earning degrees and starting successful careers, we see it as a success when our boys continue enjoying their rugby beyond school. 

Elliot Daly’s recent Lions selection is a fantastic achievement, and having six Whitgift alumni in next season’s Harlequins senior squad is something we’re immensely proud of. 

Our coaching team’s development is equally encouraging. Tom Stradwick’s appointment at Blackheath so soon after retiring is well-deserved and allows him to bring valuable experience back to our programme. Combined with Daniel Webb’s work in the Kent and Saracens pathways, and Henry Wheadon’s dual role at Whitgift and Blackheath, our staff are growing professionally while staying committed to our school’s rugby journey. 

The foundation of our programme is in the Junior School. Coaches like Mr Wheadon and Mr Morley are doing exceptional work with our U11s–U13s, instilling a love for the game and building skills that will serve the boys throughout their rugby journeys.” 

Chris Wilkins (Director of Rugby)

 

“Working at Whitgift is a privilege. The culture Chris Wilkins has built ensures that every player and coach is valued. Whether it's a top-performing 1st XV player with professional aspirations or an U12 E team player simply playing for enjoyment, everyone is supported and given the chance to grow. 

With over 380 1st XV games under his belt and four national titles, Mr Wilkins leads a department rich in rugby expertise. Our coaches’ experience in the National Leagues ensures we’re always evolving, and we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the game tactically and technically. That’s what keeps Whitgift among the elite rugby schools in the country.” 

Tom Stradwick (Head of Physical Education)

Looking Ahead 

The foundation of Whitgift Rugby remains a shared focus on enjoyment and improvement. With continued investment in coaching, player development, and broadening access to the game across the School, Whitgift is well placed to remain at the forefront of schoolboy rugby for years to come.