From debut to final: Head of School Harry reflects on standout season with Bath Rugby U18s

Head of School Harry H (Upper Sixth), who will be finishing his A levels this summer and has been offered an Army Scholarship on the condition of passing his exams and a medical assessment, writes a summary of his season representing Bath Rugby U18s: 

What a season. What a journey.

The year started with a scorching summer packed with long fitness sessions in the heat, laying the foundations for what was to come. I had the opportunity to attend the Malvern U18s Festival, where we faced Leinster and Northampton Saints – a real taste of the physicality required for the U18 Academy League.

From there, we built into fixtures against Saracens, Harlequins and Bristol Bears before breaking for the school rugby season, finishing that block with two wins and a draw.

After a busy Christmas period filled with training and residential camps, we headed into the main block of Academy League fixtures.

First up: Gloucester Rugby.
My debut.

There couldn’t have been a better occasion – a local derby. A tough contest saw us come away 50-31 winners.

Next was Exeter Chiefs away – another hugely physical battle – where we edged a narrow 35-32 victory. That gave us real momentum heading into a long trip to Newcastle Falcons.

It was my first start, and it didn’t disappoint. Newcastle were previously unbeaten at home – until we arrived. A 26-7 win made the journey back even sweeter.

After a well-earned rest week, we hosted Leicester Tigers and secured a 40-22 victory, booking our place in the final.

Then it was Northampton Saints away – last year’s champions. With Franklin’s Gardens unavailable after hosting England U20s, the fixture was moved to Shelford Rugby Club. The venue changed, but our performance didn’t. We returned home with a 33-24 win.

One final week to prepare.

The final.
Bristol Bears.
Kingsholm Stadium.

An incredibly tough contest ended in our first defeat of the season – 36-38.

It wasn’t the fairytale ending we wanted, and we fell just short of the Premiership Rugby NextGen title. But it’s been an incredible journey with an unbelievable group of lads. I’m so grateful for it all.

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