OS STARRING IN PREMIERSHIP & INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

Sedbergh is renowned for producing rugby football players, including the England captains Wavell Wakefield, John Spencer, Will Carling, and the World Cup winner Will Greenwood. To date, Sedbergh has produced 41 full international rugby players of whom 17 have played for England, 18 have played for Scotland, 4 have played for Ireland and 2 have played for Wales. Please see below the current list of Old Sedberghians who are playing in the Gallagher Premiership in England and the United Rugby Championship, which includes teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa.

Rouban Birch (H 16-18) – Sale Sharks 

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Sale Sharks lock Rouban scored a late winning try to take the spoils over Newcastle Falcons in November last year. He has played for the Sharks intermittently since the 2018-2019 season.

Charlie Claire (E 05-10) – Leicester Tigers 

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Former Leicester Tigers academy captain Charlie joined the Tigers senior squad in 2019 where he features regularly at the hooker position and has thrived in the role. Previously, Charlie played for Bedford Blues in the RFU Championship, and for Northampton Saints in Premiership Rugby. 

Tom Curtis (S 17-19) – Sale Sharks, England U18 

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The son of former Manchester United defender John Curtis, fly-half Tom was called up to the England U18’s side in 2018 and the following year made his premiership debut for Sharks 7s. Tom memorably lifted the Rosslyn Park National Sevens trophy as Captain when Sedbergh’s 1st VII won the National Title in his final year at school in 2019. In 2020, Tom was included in the England U20s squad for the Six Nations and continues his professional development in the Sharks’ first team. 

Robert Farrar (H 12-18) – Newcastle Falcons, England U18 

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Promising England U20’s back-rower Rob captained Cumbria at U15s level and joined the Newcastle Falcons academy in 2016. Rob was part of the unbeaten Sedbergh School treble-winning side before capping for England U20s and making his Premiership debut for the Falcons during the 2020-21 season. 

Tom Francis (W 05-08) – Exeter Chiefs, Wales

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Welsh prop Tom Francis recently made a move last year from long-time club Exeter Chiefs (with 116 caps) to Ospreys in order to keep his Wales Test career alive where he has made 55 international appearances to date. A Grand Slam winner and World Cup semi-finalist with Wales in 2019, Tom is also an European Cup and English Premiership winner with the Chiefs in what has been a stellar career. 

Will Haydon-Wood (P 14-19) – Newcastle Falcons, England U20

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Fly-half Will Haydon-Wood joined the Falcons’ senior academy in the summer of 2019 immediately after leaving Sedbergh. He was a stand-out performer in the U18 League and first represented England U20’s against South Africa in 2019. Will made his premiership debut for the senior team in May 2021 against Exeter and continues to develop his style in other positions such as fullback and inside centre. 

Jack Hill (SH 16-18) – Sale Sharks, Scotland U20 

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Blindside flanker Jack Hill made his Premiership debut for Sale Sharks in November 2021 against Leicester, having previously been called up to the Scotland U20 squad for the U20 Six Nations in 2020. Jack is currently developing his career through university rugby at Durham. 

Alex Moon (W 12-15) – Northampton Saints, England 

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Alex joined the Northampton Saints academy in 2015, making his premiership debut for the Saints in 2017 and helping the Wanderers (the Saints’ reserves) lift the Premiership A League trophy the same year. Alex, who is renowned for his impressive physical proportions, received a call-up to the senior England squad for the 2020 Six Nations Championship and continues to develop his career as a lock in the Saints’ senior squad. 

Cam Redpath (S 16-18) – Bath Rugby, Scotland 

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The elder son of former Scotland Captain Bryan Redpath, Cam recovered from a prolonged injury to enjoy a breakout year last year when he became a full international, sensationally debuting in the opening round of the Six Nations in Scotland’s historic victory over England at Twickenham – their first there for 38 years. Cam plays at inside centre for Bath having developed his career through the Sale Sharks academy. 

Sam Stuart (P 05-10) – Newcastle Falcons 

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Sam signed a new two-year deal last year with Newcastle Falcons where he has been since 2017. An England international throughout the age groups, the scrum-half has also played for England in U16’s, 18’s and 20’s, having made his professional breakthrough at Harlequins.  

Abbie Ward (R 09-11) – Bristol Bears Women, England 

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Occasional Red Roses captain Abbie reached a significant milestone in earning her 50th cap for the England Women’s Rugby Team late last year. Abbie, who was the first OS woman to represent England in a senior national sporting team, was part of the unstoppable Red Roses squad which recently completed an autumn clean sweep with ruthless wins over New Zealand, Canada and the USA, finishing the year unbeaten after claiming their third successive Six Nations title last spring. Abbie was also one of five Red Roses players to be named in the Women’s Team of the Year. Her senior international career began when she won her first senior cap in 2015, scoring a try on debut in the Women’s Six Nations. She went on to captain England for the first time against the USA in the summer of 2019. Last summer Abbie married former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward and he is now her coach at Bristol Bears.

James Botham (E 11-16) – Cardiff Rugby, Wales 

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Following in the footsteps of his father Liam, and grandfather Lord Ian Botham, Cardiff Rugby (formerly Cardiff Blues) flanker James recently made his senior Wales debut at the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup. In January this year he overcame an injury scare after being stretchered off from heavy blow to the side of his head against Edinburgh. James has already earned 9 international caps for Wales where he continues to take great strides in his international career. 

Ali Crossdale (P 14-16) – Wasps, England U20 

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Ali made his Premiership debut in 2016 for Saracens having spent time at Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons and Christchurch, New Zealand, during his youth. The winger did not see much game time at Saracens and has since come of age at their premiership rivals, Wasps, where he is thriving. Ali received a call-up to the England squad in 2020 where he was included in Eddie Jones’ England Shadow Squad after impressing in England U20s. 

Phil Dowson (P 93-00) – Northampton Saints (Coach) 

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Former number 8 and flanker for Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors, Phil Dowson made a total of 262 premiership appearances (the third highest of all time) in his highly successful playing career before embarking on a new journey as assistant coach to the Saints in 2017, where he is set to become director of rugby at the end of the current season. Up until Bevan Rodd’s (E 13-18) recent England debut late last year, Phil was the most recent Old Sedberghian to play for England on the men’s side, with seven international caps before hanging up his boots in 2017. 

Carl Fearns (P 04-07) – Newcastle Falcons, England Saxons 

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Back-row forward Carl is a premiership rugby veteran, having starred for Sale Sharks (60 appearances) and Bath (73 appearances), while also shining for French clubs Lyon (66 appearances) and Rouen (9 appearances). Carl returned to premiership rugby last year, assisting the Newcastle Falcons with his destructive ball-carrying ability. Carl has captained England at U18 level and made his debut for England Saxons, England’s second national team, in 2011.  

Josh Hodge (P 12-18) – Exeter Chiefs, England U20

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Highly rated up-and-comer Josh Hodge recently made the switch from Newcastle Falcons to Exeter Chiefs in 2020. The fullback was the top scorer in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina, kicking an immaculate 24 goals from 24 and scoring two tries. This success led to him being called up as an apprentice player by England head coach Eddie Jones for the 2020 Guinness Six Nations training squad. Josh has already scored a number of sensational solo tries as both winger and full-back and is hotly tipped for England duty in the near future. 

Louie Johnson (W 16-21) – Newcastle Falcons, England U18 

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Fly-half Louie Johnson came through the Newcastle Falcons’ junior academy from age 13 before joining their senior academy last year. Louie’s talented kicking game, speed and defence were instrumental in Sedbergh’s successful season of 2019-2020. A central figure for England U18s, earlier this year Louie was named in the England U20’s Elite Player Squad for the 2022 Six Nations. 

Ollie Melville (S 15-20) Glasgow Warriors, Scotland U20, Jamaica (Sevens)

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Ollie made his Scotland U20 debut in the U20 Six Nations last year having impressed as fullback at Glasgow Warriors where he is also capable of playing on the wing. Ollie is set to again represent for Scotland in the upcoming U20 Six Nations this spring under captain and fellow OS, Rhys Tait (SH 18-20), having also previously represented England at U18 level and Jamaica in Rugby Sevens. 

Sam Moore (W 15-17) – Cardiff Rugby, England U20

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Sam, whose father and uncle both represented Cardiff and Wales, joined Cardiff as a number 8 from Sale Sharks in 2020 having formerly represented England at U20’s level and was also an apprentice in England’s senior squad of 2018. His time at Cardiff has been blighted by a series of injuries, and although he remains eligible to play for either England or Wales, he ultimately followed his father’s footsteps by opting for Wales and signing with the Blues.  

Bevan Rodd (E 13-18) – Sale Sharks, England 

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Prop Bevan has been a regular at England age-grade rugby from U16’s level, but it wasn’t until November last year when he was first called up to the England squad for the 2021 Autumn Nations Series for England’s win over Australia, becoming the 40th OS to receive an international cap. Bevan finished his 2021 Autumn Nations Series with a 27-26 win over the world champions and is included in the England training squad for the 2022 Six Nations. He made his Premiership debut for the Sharks in 2019. 

Carwyn Tuipulotu (E 15-20) – Scarlets, Wales U20 

The son of former Tonga international Katilimoni Tuipulotu, Carwyn came through the Newcastle Falcons academy before linking up with the Scarlets through the Welsh Exiles programme. The powerful ball-carrier made his debut for Scarlets in 2020 and  has already represented Wales U18s (while simultaneously developing at Sedbergh) and featured at No. 8 for Wales U20s in the 2021 Six Nations. Carwyn cemented his place as one of Welsh rugby’s brightest young prospects with his European debut this year in the Heineken Champions Cup. 

OS Representing Internationally

Alex Allan (S 05-10) – Hong Kong Scottish (Player-Coach) & Hong Kong Int. (Scrum Coach)

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Last summer Scotland international Alex commenced a dual role as coach-player for Hong Kong Scottish while combining this with assisting the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) as a front row specialist coach. The former Premiership prop has a wealth of playing experience with 109 caps for Glasgow Warriors in the Pro 14 and 8 caps for Scotland.

Michael Cooke (SH 17-19) – Ireland U18, Ealing Trailfinders

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Michael spent much of 2021 recovering from a knee operation but is now back playing competitive rugby again for the Ealing Trailfinders senior academy squad, where he previously collected 180 points in the 2019-2020 season with his talented left boot. The fly-half has represented Ireland at Under 18 Level as well as playing for London Irish ARFC.

Tom Lanni (E 18-20) – Ayrshire Bulls, Scotland U20

Scotland international Tom made his international debut for Scotland U19s while in his final year at Sedbergh. He signed with the Ayrshire Bulls senior squad in 2020 upon finishing at Sedbergh with the defender having come through the academy as a youth product.

Cameron Melville (S 15-20) Jamaica (Sevens), Scotland U18, Sale Sharks U18 

Cameron, while currently completing his studies at Newcastle University and playing for the Newcastle University Rugby Club, won the Rugby Americas North 7’s Tournament at the end of last year representing Jamaica, alongside his twin brother. Cameron played for Jamaica again in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series earlier this year in Malaga and has also played for Scotland U18’s. 

Murray Redpath (S 16-20) – Newcastle University, Scotland U20 

The younger son of Bryan Redpath, Murray debuted for Scotland U20’s last year and will again represent the squad in the upcoming U20’s Six Nations. The Newcastle University scrum-half plays in the same position as his father did, following in his footsteps.

Rhys Tait (SH 18-20) – Boroughmuir Bears, Scotland U20 (Captain) 

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Rhys made his Scotland U20 debut in the 2021 Six Nations in Cardiff where he played in all five matches. He was recently announced as Captain for Scotland U20s in the 2022 Six Nations, with the back-rower having impressed with Edinburgh’s Boroughmuir Bears and also at his time through the Glasgow Warriors’ academy.

Alex Wootton (SH 07-12) – Connacht Rugby

Alex is an international Irish rugby player currently playing for Connacht at the wing position. Alex played for the Northampton Saints for a year before opting for a move to Ireland and Munster, and eventually moving to Connacht last season. Alex has previously played for Ireland at an international level in the U20s and Sevens teams.

Michele Brighetti (E 14-19) – Italy U20, Rugby Valvisano

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Michele switched from the Kenyan U20’s side to the Italian U20’s for the U20 Six Nations Championships in 2020. With the championships interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Michele was again announced for the Azzurrini in the U20 Six Nations in 2021 as well. He currently plays at fly-half for Rugby Calvisano in Italy’s top-level competition.

Iain Carmichael (SH 16-20) – Scotland U16, Glasgow Hawks U20 

Iain currently plays for Glasgow Hawks U20’s in the Scottish Premiership. The hooker, who can also play in the back row, represented Scotland U16’s when he was still a pupil at Sedbergh and spent three years at the Newcastle Falcons academy.

EJ Freeman (H 18-20) – USA U18, Arizona Wildcats

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EJ is a centre/flanker who recently represented USA 18’s in 2020, but also played the IRB World U18 Rugby Championships for Germany in 2019. He is described as a fast-rising prospect in the back row and his impressive appearances earned him the University of Arizona Wildcat’s Freshman of the Year award in 2021.

Johnny McPhillips (W 10-15) – US Carcassonne, Ireland U20

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Fly-half Johnny made his senior career debut for Ulster before two successful years at Leicester Tigers in the Premiership despite suffering a knee ligament injury in his debut season. Last year the former Ireland Under-20 international signed for US Carcassonne in the South of France. A multi-talented athlete, Johnny was an academy level footballer with Newcastle United before turning to rugby at Sedbergh School.

Will Panday (H 15-19) – Hong Kong U20, Ealing Trailfinders 

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Hong Kong international Will made his Hong Kong U20 debut at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in 2019. A former Newcastle Falcons Academy product and key player in the successful Sedbergh 1st XV side of 2019, Will plays as a centre for Henley Hawks and Ealing Trailfinders on a scholarship programme with Brunel University. 

Diego Warnken (H 18-20) – Chile U18 

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Diego was the third-highest points scorer at the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai last year, knocking up a stunning 64 points for Chile. He was also in action for Chile at World Rugby Americas Pacific Challenge last October where he found similar success with the boot, helping Chile tie with title winners Argentina but losing the title on points difference. Diego also helped Chile book their spot at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in September 2022. His last gasp score in the corner to secure a huge win for Sedbergh School over a strong Blackrock side in 2019 will also be remembered by many for some time. 

Thomas Winkler (W 18-20) – Chile U18 

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Thomas is a newcomer in the Chilean National Sevens Team who joined fellow OS Diego Warnken at the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai last year. He made his national debut when travelling with the national side to compete in the Madrid Sevens Tournament in February 2021, where he scored a try against Portugal.