Stamford School Named Among Top UK Schools for Rugby

Stamford School is proud to have been named among the top UK schools for Rugby in Which School Advisor’s 2025 guide.

"Stamford School has a proud rugby tradition, offering a well-structured programme that caters to players of all abilities while maintaining a strong competitive edge.

With high-quality coaching, dedicated strength and conditioning support, and strong links to professional academies, Stamford provides an excellent environment for player development. The school has produced numerous players who have gone on to represent county, academy, and even professional teams.

Rugby has long been a key part of life at Stamford, with a well-established programme that supports players from their first game in Year 7 through to elite performance in the Sixth Form. The school balances opportunity and ambition, offering a pathway for players of all abilities alongside regular fixtures against some of the country’s strongest rugby schools."

Our Rugby programme will be led by Geordan Murphy, Director of Rugby Performance (joining in September 2025). With 72 caps for Ireland, over 300 appearances for Leicester Tigers, eight Premiership titles and two European Cups, as well as experience as Director of Rugby at Leicester, Geordan brings a wealth of experience to Stamford’s rugby provision. Geordan will be joining forces with Eugene Martin as the Head of Rugby.

The 2024 season was a standout year, with the 1st XV winning the Rosslyn Park Plate in a national competition that showcased the quality, discipline, and determination of the squad.

Several Old Stamfordians continue to progress through to the next level of the game. Ollie, our 2025 1st XV captain and 2025 leaver, has signed with CA Brive to begin his professional rugby career in France. Sam Williams (OS 23) was named in the England U20 squad for the 2025 World Rugby Championship, following a strong season at academy and national level.

Stamford’s rugby success is underpinned by a culture of teamwork and resilience. With strong links to professional clubs, including Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints, and a strength and conditioning programme tailored to support player development, the school continues to be a leading destination for rugby in the UK.