A new trophy has pride of place at Springwood High School, after our sixth-form rugby team triumphed in a new state tournament.

The Year 12 and 13 students were victorious in the first-ever Norfolk Schools RFU Under-18 State Cup, beating Wymondham High 12-7 in the final, which was held at Wymondham College.

City of Norwich School, Notre Dame High School, Reepham High School, Easton College, and host Wymondham College were also represented in the competition.

“Lukas M, our captain, scored two tries in our final match against Wymondham High in the final, which was a very tense match after we had watched them play and defeat Easton College,” said our Head of Health and Social Care, Chloe Lister, who coached the team alongside external staff member Seth Charlesworth.

“Our forwards were able to put forward a strong scrum against their pack, whilst our backs were able to form a strong defence line.”

Among the other major players in the contest were Maxwell M, who scored a try in the first match to put Springwood ahead of Wymondham College, and James S, who scored a try against City of Norwich School in the second match to secure Springwood’s place in the final.

The winning Springwood team also included Callum B, Rocky D, Will H, Thomas L, Tom L, Kuba L, Finn MN, Theo M, Bramley P, Ollie R, Finn R, Finn S, Ben T, Chris T, and Robin W.

“The team received the Norfolk Schools RFU UNder-18 State Cup, and medals each for winning that they could take home,” continued Miss Lister, who treated the players to a celebratory pizza lunch.

“On the drive home, the players had a sing-along to their chosen playlist and took selfies with the Cup.”

While it was the first time that the event had taken place, Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, hopes to have the opportunity to defend the trophy.

“School competitions play an important role in strengthening the school community and advancing student development in multiple ways,” added Miss Lister.

“First, they serve as a unifying force by bringing different schools together to compete in a spirit of healthy rivalry. These events attract an enthusiastic audience of parents, staff, and students, whose shared interest in the contest helps create a lively atmosphere that fosters school pride and community engagement.

“Competitions also contribute to raising the sport’s overall profile. When school-level events connect with or mirror the excitement of elite competitions, they help cultivate a pathway for aspiring athletes and build a stronger sporting culture.

“From a skill perspective, participation in a competition accelerates player development. The pressures and demands of match play require students to practise and apply technical abilities, as well as cognitive skills such as decision-making, concentration, and discipline.

“Regular exposure to competitive situations trains young athletes to think strategically, manage stress, and prioritise teamwork – traits that transfer beyond the sport into academic and personal contexts.”