From School Pitch to Pro: Rugby Journeys Begin at Finborough
Finborough School is increasingly recognised as one of the best UK rugby schools.
Finborough School is proud to be recognised for its commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of elite rugby players. Top talent is attracted to the school due to our reputation for offering a proven pathway to success. Scholarships set out an individualised programme for students in Year 7 and above who demonstrate potential for exceptional athletic performance.
Expert coaching has made Finborough a leading name among rugby schools in the UK. Our dedicated coaches are highly experienced and maintain links with professional academies and clubs including a thriving partnership with Northampton Saints, laying the foundations for students to progress beyond the school pitch. Our students regularly compete at different levels — from local fixtures in Suffolk to the School Sport Magazine National Boys Cup, The National Schools Rosslyn Park tournament and Saints 7s Tournaments.
Students can even develop and showcase their talent abroad thanks to the impressive partnerships Finborough has developed internationally. In 2024, two students spent a term at Hamilton Boys School in New Zealand. Later in 2024, students from our boys senior rugby squads took part in a camp hosted by Apex 2100, a professional sports training facility situated in the stunning alpine resort of Tignes. Here, they received professional coaching by England sevens captain Tom Mitchell.
On site, the school offers facilities including beautifully maintained grass pitches and an Olympic-standard gym which provides the perfect spot for our coaches to deliver bespoke strength and conditioning programmes.
Finborough balances athletic and academic commitments with a specially designed timetable designed to nurture young players to reach their full potential. Players are encouraged to seize all the extracurricular opportunities available at Finborough alongside their rugby pathways. When not on the pitch, many of our players participate in our Duke of Edinburgh programme or take centre stage in our school performances.
Character building is a key focus across school life for all year groups. Our pupils up to year 11 develop a genuine love of sport through a fun and inclusive games-based curriculum designed to develop self-confidence. Upon entry to Finborough sixth form, all students take part in the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers programme. This unique approach involves developing leadership and communication skills which are vital on and off the pitch. We understand that personal development is an essential part of preparing students to thrive in highly competitive environments.
Producing Rugby Talent at Finborough
The school’s dedication to nurturing rugby talent is reflected in the accomplishments of notable alumni, including Junior Kpoku (Racing 92, England U20) and Sol Moody (Exeter Chiefs). Approximately 6% of our Year 13 students go on to receive sports scholarships at top universities, in the UK and abroad, or sign professional contracts.
Continuing Finborough’s tradition of producing elite players, our students’ recent achievements include:
- Henry Lumley making history as the youngest ever Premiership debutant for Northampton Saints after being selected for their Senior Academy.
- Charlie Tamani earning a call-up to the England Rugby U17 training camp resulting in a place on the U18 Squad for the 2025 International Series in South Africa, as well as having represented England in the Men’s U18 squad at the prestigious Six Nations.
- Eric Cantillon joining the IRFU IQ Rugby Team on their Provincial Tour in Ireland.
- Myles Bailey awarded a rugby scholarship in the United States at Lindenwood University, Missouri.
These successes highlight Finborough as one of the top schools that produce rugby players in the UK, offering a proven route to elite performance and professional contracts.
Discover Finborough today
Finborough provides the perfect launchpad for a rugby journey that leads all the way to the professional stage.
Our students are not only skilled on the pitch but are well-rounded individuals who achieve strong academic results. Finborough’s unique approach to character development is making its mark on the next generation of UK rugby talent.
