School Life

The history of the Warwick School Sevens and previous winners

2025 marks the 56th anniversary of the Warwick School Sevens, with the first tournament taking place on a fine sunny afternoon on Saturday, 8 March 1969.

The origins of the tournament lie with long-serving member of staff and rugby enthusiast, Ralph Thornton (Warwick School staff 1948-89). Ralph was responsible for introducing Sevens to Warwick School at senior level and instigated the Warwick Sevens, identifying an appetite and need for a competition for younger players. Ralph set up the tournament in the group format which remains to this day – giving opportunities for more pitch time and negating the need for teams to get back on the bus after just one match. That first tournament was extremely well received, and the Warwick Sevens has developed into an important and popular fixture in the school’s rugby calendar.

The scale of the tournament has changed considerably over fifty years. In 1969 there were two tournaments – one for the U16s and one for the U15s.

In the U16 competition, eight teams were split into two groups:

Group 1: Ratcliffe College, Bablake, Leamington College and Solihull School

Group 2: Lawrence Sheriff, King Henry VIII, King Edward's School Birmingham, and Warwick

The two group winners played in the final. In the first year Warwick scored a decisive victory over Ratcliffe College by 18 points to nil. In 1969 the four teams in the U15 section (Ratcliffe, King Henry VIII, Solihull and Warwick) also played each other on a league basis. Three teams each won two games in a very close competition, but on points average Warwick were declared winners.

The U16 and U15 competitions have taken place every year since then, with the U14s, and U13s being added at a later stage.

The number of schools participating has also grown over time, as has the geographical reach of the tournament. In the early years, the competition was between local schools. Now, we are delighted to also welcome schools from much further afield.

The rules remain the same, but one key difference between then and now is the size of the squad. Initially, no substitutes were allowed. If players were injured, they could not be replaced until the next match. It has been known for a team to have only four boys left standing at the final whistle!

In the early years, Warwick School teachers (and those from other participating schools) acted as referees. Refereeing several games in one afternoon sometimes puts undue pressure on the fitness levels and long-distance eyesight of some of the more senior members of staff! Now, qualified independent referees are also used.

Not every Warwick Sevens has been blessed with spring sunshine, on 8 March 1969, snow caused cancellation on one occasion. We hope the weather gods will smile upon us as we celebrate fifty-six years of the Warwick School Sevens.

Also in 1969

The Guy Nelson Hall was completed, costing a total of £95,000.
Head Master PW Martin having just received the keys for the school’s first mini bus.
Old Warwickian, Tim Dalton, played rugby for England, the first OW to be selected at this level.