Celebrating 100 Years of LGS Rugby
On Saturday 16 September, over 100 Loughborough Grammar School alumni returned to campus to celebrate 100 Years of LGS Rugby.
The atmosphere on the day was fantastic as we shared rugby memories and school memories. We heard from Emyr Lewis (Head of Rugby) as he spoke to us about the vision for rugby at LGS and the significance of rugby at the School. Andy Stevens (LGS 1977) and Tim Coburn (LGS 1976) provided inspiring speeches to share their personal memories of rugby at LGS and how playing this sport helped to shape them into who they are. They both explained that playing rugby is about so much more than just winning games; it’s also about learning the importance of hard work, resilience, and teamwork. What stood out the most and was so evident by the atmosphere in the room, was that playing rugby at LGS forged so many great friendships to last a lifetime.
Amongst all the celebrations, it was also a moving occasion as we remembered those who have sadly passed away including Ed Thorpe (LGS Staff 1964 –1996) and Richard Usher (LGS 1976).
The celebrations of 100 Years of LGS Rugby finished in Quorn as we watched the current LGS first XV play against Trent College. It was an extremely tight game and the boys showed incredible teamwork and resilience, reminding us all again what rugby is about.
The current LGS rugby team also sported their brand–new kit, which was designed as a replica of the first rugby kit from the 1940s – duck logo and all!
You can see the reference photo for the kit below from 1949, in which you will also find Alan Toone (LGS 1951) (second from the right on the front row) who was our oldest attendee at the event and was so delighted to see a photo of himself in the event programme on the day.
"Rugby taught all of us about the values of teamwork, a strong ethos and belief that there is no substitute for hard work, that we could all “reach for the stars”, achieve higher goals and ultimately success. What more could a child, a parent or an employer wish for from an education that equips you with such a growth-oriented mindset."
"I played for the U13s and in school sides into the sixth form. While my academic achievement stumbled on, it was exposure to leadership in rugby that gave me a lift in going from school to Sandhurst and later, into a career in leadership development with world class companies. Quite simply, I couldn’t have done that without rugby, the support of our rugby masters and ethos of this school So often, we learn life skills by accident. For me, the cause for celebration is the wider impact rugby has had in our lives. We didn’t play rugby because it was cute. We played for the rough and tumble of the game, with eyes wide open and an innocent self-belief that, together, we could win. And we did!"
To mark the celebrations, a very special LGS rugby ball was designed. These are available to purchase online for £15 each, whilst stocks last.
All photos from the event can be found below:
