Millfield Rugby duo attend England development camp​

Millfield Upper Sixth students Sam Harrison and Ciaran Donoghue have attended the England U18 Development camp.

The boys were selected after stepping in for the England U20 squad who were short on numbers whilst training on campus at Millfield over the summer. The England coaches were impressed by the boys who were then invited to the one day training camp which was held at South Clifton Rugby Football Club over October Half Term.

Sam and Ciaran, who play for Bath U18s as well as the Millfield first team, were amongst 40 budding rugby stars who took part in the camp which developed individual skills, analysis and a gruelling gym session. The Millfield pair are in mind to be selected for future programmes next year. 

Upper Sixth Sam joined Millfield in Year 9 and is studying A levels in Physics, Econmics and Maths. Former Millfield Prep student Ciaran also joined in Year 9 and is studying Business Studies, Geography and PE. Both boys are hoping to pursue a career in rugby.

Assistant Director of Rugby and former Bath and Scotland Sevens player, Mike Baxter says, “It is great to see Ciaran and Sam getting their chance to showcase their skills and ability in the England U18 programme. Both boys have shown huge passion for rugby at Millfield and worked very hard on and off the field to get this fantastic opportunity.”

The boys aren’t short of inspiring former students to look up to, just this month Old Millfieldian Callum Sheedy made his first Welsh Rugby Cap in the Autumn Nations cup. Other stars of the game who have come from Millfield include Bath’s Jonathan Joseph, Millfield’s Director of Rugby, ex-Bath and England player John Mallet and the namesake of our school rugby pitch, Sir Gareth Edwards. Girls’ Rugby is ever-growing at Millfield with the first competitive match being played on campus last year.