Home > News > Cheltenham College Make History at St Joseph’s Rugby Festival

Cheltenham College Make History at St Joseph’s Rugby Festival

Cheltenham College’s U15 and U18 teams enjoyed an outstanding weekend at the prestigious St Joseph’s National School Rugby Festival, with the U15s reaching the Cup semi-finals and the U18s crowned champions for the first time in College history.

Both sides arrived looking to maintain their unbeaten starts to the season at one of the country’s toughest 15-a-side schoolboy rugby tournaments.

U15s Reach the Cup Semi-Finals

The U15s made a flying start, winning all three opening-day fixtures against Bedford, Campion and Blundell’s to set up a Cup semi-final against Cranleigh School.

In a physical, stop-start contest, Cranleigh led 8–0 at half-time following a powerful driving maul and a penalty. Cheltenham fought back with a try, but the shortened format left little time to complete the comeback, and they narrowly lost 8–5.

Despite missing out on the final, reaching the semi-finals was an excellent achievement and provides a strong foundation for the second half of the season.

U18s Crowned Champions

The U18s arrived at the festival’s 40th anniversary in outstanding form following their historic victory over Wellington College the previous week.

Wins on the first day over Denstone and previous champions Brighton College, followed by a last-minute score against Whitchurch, secured top spot in their group and a Cup quarter-final against Northern Ireland’s Ballymena Academy. Cheltenham produced an intense, intelligent performance to progress comfortably into the semi-finals.

There, they faced Kirkham Grammar School, another previous winner. Two quick Kirkham scores put Cheltenham 12–0 behind, but a crucial try just before half-time reignited their hopes. The second half belonged to Cheltenham, as two powerful driving mauls turned the game around and secured their place in the final.

Standing between them and history were the hosts, St Joseph’s, who had knocked out defending champions Wellington College in the other semi-final.

In front of an incredible atmosphere, complete with a full-length player tunnel, fireworks and pyrotechnics, Cheltenham rose to the occasion in style.

The forwards set the tone with a powerful driving maul to open the scoring. Phil Mow then produced a superb show-and-go to score the second try, before Jack Evans finished off an excellent line from the back of a lineout to complete a dominant performance.

Cheltenham secured a commanding 17–0 victory, sealing their place in the history books as the first Cheltenham side to win the prestigious festival.

There was further recognition for Cheltenham with Phil Mow, named as Player of the Tournament for his outstanding contribution across the two days. He follows in the footsteps of Cheltenham College Director of Rugby Olly Morgan, who won the award in 2003.

Both teams can take enormous pride in their performances. The U15s showed their quality in reaching the semi-finals, while the U18s delivered a landmark victory to cap an exceptional first half of the season.

Congratulations to both squads and their coaches on a memorable weekend for Cheltenham College rugby.

Please click here to learn more about Rugby at Cheltenham College.

A rugby player in a pink and navy striped jumper runs with the ball during a match against a team in red and white jerseys.
A rugby team in red and black striped jerseys celebrates on a stage, holding trophies aloft with pink smoke flares overhead, behind a banner identifying them as National Schools Rugby Festival winners.
A rugby player in a red and black striped jersey runs with the ball whilst another player dives to tackle him on a sunny pitch.
A smiling rugby player in a red and black striped jersey stands in front of a branded backdrop holding a trophy.
A rugby player in a pink and navy striped jumper runs across a pitch while carrying a rugby ball.
A rugby player in a red and black striped jersey runs with the ball on a grassy pitch during a match, whilst teammates and spectators watch from the touchline.
A rugby team in pink and navy striped jerseys huddled together on a grassy pitch.
A rugby player in a red and black striped jumper runs with the ball whilst being chased by two opponents on a grass pitch.
Three rugby players in maroon and gold jerseys on a pitch during a match.