Framlingham College is gearing up for a remarkable event as it celebrates the centenary of rugby at the institution with a special match against the Ipswich Rugby Club Colts. This event, set to take place on Sunday at 14:30 BST, promises to be more than just a game; it’s a nostalgic reenactment of the college's first-ever rugby union match, originally played 100 years ago.
Back in 1924, when rugby was just starting to gain traction, Ipswich Rugby Club emerged victorious, besting Framlingham College with a score of 28-8. The match on Sunday aims to honor this historic encounter and to strengthen the ties between the college and local clubs.
Will Cotterill, the head of rugby at Framlingham College, expressed his enthusiasm about the event. "It's fantastic to be able to reenact the first match. It's not every day you get to mark such an important milestone for the college and the sport," he stated. He emphasized the importance of building relationships between educational institutions and local clubs to promote the sport and nurture young talent.
Joining him on the field will be students Felix Lagerberg and Dan Graves, both of whom are excited to partake in this significant event. Dan Graves highlighted the camaraderie of his teammates, saying, "It’s a privilege to play for Framlingham College on such a milestone day. Playing with my friends makes it even more special.”
The match is anticipated to attract not just current students but parents, staff, and alumni, making it a community affair. Fans of rugby will relish the chance to see how the sport has evolved over the century and enjoy the sense of community during the celebration.
This centenary match serves as both a look back at the rich history of rugby at Framlingham College and as forward momentum for the sport within the school. With plans to nurture and expand the rugby program at the school, Cotterill sees this celebration as the perfect catalyst. "For us to celebrate 100 years is fantastic, and it’s really nice to support each other as school establishments and rugby clubs as we continue to keep this great game rolling on," he added.
So as the players lace up their boots and the community gathers on the sidelines, it’s clear this centenary celebration is about more than just sport; it’s about heritage, friendship, and promoting the future of rugby.
