Schoolboy Rugby hits the world stage

Schoolboy teams from all over the world will compete in Melbourne this week in Melbourne Grammar’s Sesquicentenary of Rugby Tournament

A showcase of junior Rugby talent from around the world has come to Victoria this week for Melbourne Grammar’s Sesquicentenary of Rugby Tournament in celebration of the School’s 150th anniversary.

The Tournament will run from 6 to 12 July 2008 and will see eight teams battle it out over three match days: Christchurch Boys' High School (New Zealand), Tamagawa Academy (Japan), Oundle School (England), St Thomas' College (Sri Lanka), Shore School (NSW), Hutchins School (Tasmania), and Melbourne’s Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar School.

Melbourne Grammar’s Head of Rugby Rob Shields says the calibre of these players should not be underestimated.

“This tournament will put on display probably the best standard of schoolboy Rugby ever seen in Victoria. 

“Christchurch Boys’ High School is a top contender, having produced the second highest number of All Blacks for any school in New Zealand, while Oundle School has also produced a number of international players in the School’s 450-year history,” Mr Shields said.

While the competition is sure to be strong, so too will the camaraderie, with a number of social functions planned to promote cultural awareness and bonding.

A Cultural Evening at Melbourne Grammar on 8 July will encourage students to learn about the traditions of their fellow competitors as each team performs a country-specific play.  Melbourne Grammar will also host a Heritage Dinner, together with the Victorian Rugby Union, at the Camberwell Civic Centre on 11 July.

“The students have been eagerly awaiting this tournament for months.  Schoolboy sport is where all of our champions got their start, and I’m sure we’ll see some of these players on the national, if not international, circuit in the future”, Mr Shields said.

This competition has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of HSBC.

The tournament is open to all, with matches being played on the following dates and times:

Date                                       Venue                                                                    Time

Tuesday July 8^th                  Melbourne Grammar School and                    9am-1pm

ScotchCollege(Two Pools)

Thursday July 10^th               Melbourne Grammar School                            9am-2pm

Friday, July 11^th                    Melbourne Grammar School                            10am-3pm (Final at 2pm.)