Oakham School welcomed back Old Oakhamian Sam Wolstenholme (‘17) to help coach the 1st XV rugby team in their preparations for the forthcoming competitions against Bedford Modern and Bromsgrove. Sam also helped coach the U14 session.
Sam, who played for the 1st XV during his time at Oakham, was able to put the boys through their paces and pass on his knowledge and skills. At the end of the session, he also spent some time with the team fielding some searching questions about his premiership rugby performances.
Sam commented, “It only feels like yesterday when I started at the School in Form 4. I had a great four years of unbelievable experiences here.”
Director of Rugby Andy Rice said, “It was fantastic to welcome back Sam to the School. His visit was an inspiration to our current pupils, giving them a chance to hear of their hero’s time at their School and understand they can progress to the same level.”
On leaving Oakham, Sam joined Yorkshire Carnegie and then signed up with Wasps. He made his Wasps debut against Saracens in the Premiership Cup and his European debut away at Bordeaux Begles.
Oakham has one of the most impressive rugby records in the country with high calibre players including Hamish Watson, Alex Goode, Matt Smith, Tom Croft, Lewis Moody, Sam Colstelow, Jack van Poortvliet and Cameron Jordan. The success of its former pupils within the sport is a testament to its teachers and staff.
To learn more about rugby at Oakham, please visit https://www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/sport/major-sports/rugby
