The following article appeared in the Times on Friday 15th December, written by Mark Souster:
To go unbeaten for a season in any sport is significant, but to win every match in the past three years ranks in the competitive world of public-school rugby as one of the significant achievements of modern times. The comparison may be slightly disingenuous, but imagine Arsenal not losing over the same period. It just would not happen.
Step forward Tonbridge, alma mater of the Cowdreys, and a school more synonymous with success at cricket than rugby. Last Saturday, the 1st XV, captained by Will Soutar, defeated Wellington 11-6 to register their 33rd consecutive victory, a sequence stretching back to 2003.
No official records are kept but it is hard to think of that being bettered in the future.
On their clean sweep across the southern England circuit, Tonbridge beat, among others, Harrow, Sevenoaks, Haileybury, Eton, Radley and Dulwich, as well as Wellington, the most recent school to defeat them. Their narrowest win was 20-19 over Eton. It is a team without stars who have, however, flourished in an environment of outstanding coaching and the development of a team spirit and work ethic second to none.
Whereas some schools lure the cream of the annual playing crop, Tonbridge seek to develop what is already there. It is a policy that has reaped dividends, according to Andy Whittall, the Director of Sport, and a former Zimbabwe cricketer. 'This is an achievement of which we are all extremely proud,' Whittall said. 'It is testament to the superb coaching the boys receive from Graeme Gales and Nathan Leamon, which would not be out of place in the Premiership.'
'They are an incredible pair. Graeme's knowledge of the game is second to none, while Nathan's attention to detail and clinical preparation has ensured that the team is perfectly prepared.'
There has been a price to pay, though. Leamon, who Whittall knew at Cambridge, has been lured by Eton to become Director of Sport there.
Whether Tonbridge are the best in England is a moot point. Sedbergh, Will Carling's old school, have enjoyed an unbeaten season, inspired by Chris Simpson-Daniel, the younger brother of James, the Gloucester and England wing.
Perhaps Tonbridge should lay down a challenge to find out who is the best in England, although Bryanston, who are making considrable waves in the west, may want to be considered in the loop.
(There was a similar, but much shorter, piece in the Telegraph on the same day).