U18 Rugby Team Crowned UK Champions at Merchiston Castle Festival
Finborough School is proud to announce that its U18 rugby team has emerged victorious at the 2025 Merchiston Castle School U18 Rugby Festival, one of the most prestigious school rugby tournaments in the UK.
Led by Head of Rugby Mitch Turner and coach Harvey Finbow, the team delivered a series of commanding performances, culminating in a 26-7 win over Barnard Castle School in the final. The festival, hosted in Edinburgh, brought together top rugby schools from across the country, with Finborough standing out for their skill, teamwork, and determination.
A standout performer throughout the tournament was Charlie Tamani, a current England Rugby U18 international, who scored a hat-trick in the final and was named Player of the Tournament. Tamani had recently trained with England players as part of the England Positional Pathway Programme, and his elite-level experience was evident in his dynamic play and leadership on the pitch.
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Player of the Tournament
Mitch Turner praised the team’s achievement, and said, '
This win is a reflection of the relentless effort and commitment our players have shown. Competing at this level and coming out on top is a huge accomplishment for the squad and the school.'
Headmaster Steven Clark echoed the team’s success, commenting that,
'This level of sporting achievement is not built in talent alone, it is founded upon an incredible sense of belonging coupled with the skilled nurture of every player’s character. Aspiration, resilience, and courage intertwine with loyalty, integrity, and humility to create not just great athletes but wonderful human beings, who are role models for us all at the school.'
Finborough School continues to build a strong reputation for excellence in sport, with this latest victory marking a significant milestone in its rugby programme. Its notable alumni include: Henry Lumley, who left the school in the summer of 2025 being the youngest premiership rugby debutant for Northampton Saints and an England Rugby U20 international, Eric Cantillon who represented Ireland in the summer, and Junior Kpoku, another England Rugby U20 international who now plays for Racing92.
October 2025