From the Headmaster

This is the first Rugby World Tour this school has undertaken. It is a very exciting and challenging opportunity for everyone involved. It will be a unique experience, which the squad and coaches will remember for the rest of their lives. The tour will become their dinner party and bar room talk for many years to come. Through touring, skills on the pitch are developed; speed, stamina and mental toughness are improved and perhaps more importantly, new friends are made. “Rest and recreation” – probably meaning very little rest and a great a deal of recreation – are an essential part of a successful tour and I have no doubt the party will excel in this! In essence tours are demanding, challenging and great fun.

At John Hampden we pride ourselves on striving to achieve excellence in all that we do. Rugby has improved significantly over the past three years. It is a tribute to the staff and students that we are able to embark on such an ambitious tour. We still have much to learn and this tour is an important part of that process. Whatever the results on the field I am confident that our team will acquit itself well and play in that true spirit of rugby which those of us passionate about the sport value so highly.


Organising a successful tour takes many months of planning. I am grateful to my staff and the tour committee of parents and players for undertaking this. We are very much indebted to our sponsors – the tour would not have been possible without them – and encourage all of readers to use their services and products wherever possible!

Particular thanks must go to our hosts in the southern hemisphere both for accommodating our squad and providing opposition. Your generosity in this respect has been invaluable and we hope that one day you may visit us and that we can reciprocate in equal measure. Thank you.

As I write, the Webb-Ellis Cup is in the school – part of its’ own tour of England. We were all enthused by the sensational World Cup hosted in Australia and the presence of the Cup in the school provided a tremendous backdrop to the launch of the tour.

To everyone involved, opponents and JHGS squad members, I hope that you will enjoy meeting and playing each other. I wish you all an enjoyable and successful trip.

Stephen Nokes
Headmaster