Cranleigh School’s rugby programme continues to thrive, with a proud tradition of excellence both in participation and performance. We are delighted to see consistently high numbers of pupils engaging with the sport across all age groups, from the youngest players just beginning their rugby journey to our senior pupils pushing for elite-level opportunities.
Rugby plays an integral role in the life of the school, not just in terms of athletic development but also in helping our pupils cultivate vital life skills leadership, teamwork, resilience, and respect. The success of our rugby programme lies not only in match results but in the way our players conduct themselves, support one another, and embrace the challenges of the game.
Andy Houston, Director of Sport at Cranleigh Prep School said: “Rugby, like many of our sports, is something we are immensely proud of. The number of pupils who go on to professional careers is a testament to the strength of our sports programme. Our long-standing partnership with Harlequins provides a pathway for high performance players into their first team squad and brings top-level coaching across all our teams.”
Our Director of Rugby, John Andrews recently hosted Chim Gale (Head of Academy), Jim Evans (Academy Coach), and Sean Chenery (Academy Strength & Conditioning) from Harlequins for a series of productive discussions centred on the continued progression of several of our most promising young players.
One of these is Jack K, a standout player entering his Upper Sixth year and set to be a key figure in the 1st XV squad for the 2025/26 season. Jack has already made a strong impression within the Harlequins pathway, and we are committed to working closely with the Academy so that the coming year supports his full potential on the pitch, in the gym, and in the classroom.
Mr Houston continued: “This collaboration requires careful planning and constant communication. Balancing high-performance rugby with academic commitments is no easy task, but at Cranleigh we take a player-centred approach that places the individual’s welfare and long-term development at the heart of everything we do. Together with the Harlequins team, we are mapping out a tailored programme for Jack that ensures he is appropriately challenged, supported, and prepared for the demands of elite-level rugby.”
Jim Evans, Harlequins Academy Coach, said: “Cranleigh School sets the gold standard in school rugby, combining exceptional coaching and a proud tradition of developing not just great players, but outstanding young people, many of whom have worn the famous quarters jerseys over the years”.
As we look ahead to the 2025/26 season and beyond, Cranleigh School is committed to nurturing every player in our programme supporting their aspirations, fostering their love for the game and ensuring that rugby continues to thrive at all levels.
There are an increasing number of Cranleighans involved in the Harlequins pathway, with representatives currently at U17 and U16 levels. This reflects not only the talent within our pupil body but also the strength of our coaching, the quality of our facilities and the trust placed in us by parents and professional clubs alike. We are also excited about the next generation, with a number of U15 players—nominated by the school and our network of associate clubs—joining the pathway this summer.
Our ultimate aim is to develop not just great rugby players, but well-rounded individuals prepared for life beyond school—whether that be in sport, academia, or professional life. The experiences our players gain through their involvement in programmes like the Harlequins Academy are invaluable: they learn how to train with purpose, how to handle pressure, and how to strive for excellence while remaining grounded and humble.
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