Felsted School pupils past and present are continuing to tackle the world of rugby with success at all levels, including selection for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.
Former Felsted 1st XV player, Alex Wardell, has been selected for England’s U20s. The former deputy head boy and first-team tennis captain was first introduced to Rugby at Felsted in Year 9, and is hugely grateful to the school for helping him fall in love with the sport.
“The amazing thing about the rugby program at Felsted is that it’s very much focused on making memories with your friends and at the same time it challenges you to become the best player you can” comments Alex.
Since leaving Felsted, Alex has been on a university contract with Saracens and Loughborough University, which has given him time to adjust to the men’s game and develop skills especially around the set piece area, that will help him become a full time professional once he graduates! Alex is already on the path to this, making his debut in the starting lineup on the 4 February 2022 against Scotland for England U20s which will be covered on BBC iplayer.
Ellie Lennon is also working her way up to Rugby glory as she made her 1st Team Premiership Debut in January. The former Felsted student started playing rugby at the age of five at Cheshunt Rugby Club, and for seven years was the only girl on the team, finally becoming captain and leading the boys to a successful season. While at Felsted, Ellie was in the 1st Girls’ Cricket and Hockey teams, representing the School in the National Finals.
After a successful rugby career so far, Max Malins has recently added to his achievements by being named the top Premier Rugby Try Scorer in 2021, with a score of 18. He is also set to feature in the upcoming Six Nations for England. Max started his sporting journey in Felsted Prep School as one of the first sports scholars, showing a talent in both hockey and rugby before moving to play for the Felsted 1st XV in the Senior School, and to this day he thanks Felsted for shaping his future “A massive thank you to everyone at Felsted School who helped a boy’s dream come true!”.
Two other rugby successes include Rory Hutchinson who is set to reach 100 caps for Northampton early in 2022 and has also been selected for the Scotland Six Nations Squad, and Ehren Painter who is featuring regularly for Northampton Saints as one of the youngest premiership props, nearing his 70th cap. Each of these players are an inspiration to current and future Felsted students who share a passion for the sport, some of which are already shaping their sporting careers.
Craig W in Year 13 is playing in the England U18 current squad following October 2021 Training Camp, and he recently played in the Northampton Saints U18. Hugo M is following in Alex Wardell’s steps being in the Saracens U18 Squad. Following this, Jon T-A, Dennis K and Pierre G are in the Saracens U17, and Joe H is in the Northampton Saints U16.
This rising talent shows that Felsted’s rugby legacy is yet to continue, and the formation of these young careers and their love for the sport continues to be fed by Felsted’s Director of Rugby and ex-Wasps player, Andrew Le Chevalier, who comments; “I am extremely proud of all the achievements, and especially knowing how much time has been invested by the coaches and players themselves at Felsted makes it even more rewarding.”
Rugby is a strong discipline at Felsted, with success at every level over the last few years. Overseen by former Wasps player Le Chevalier, the school currently holds partnerships with Saracens and Northampton Saints, helping build a pathway to success for current players at all levels.
Categories: Felsted School School News
