Grey College (South Africa)

Grey has for decades been portrayed as a behemoth within global schoolboy rugby, producing 46 Springboks, including World Cup winners Francois Steyn and Bismarck du Plessis. Playing in their iconic grey jersey with a hint of orange, the school has earned a name for itself for their ruthless style of play.

Over the past decade, they have enjoyed four unbeaten seasons, further conveying just how dominant this rugby side is.

At the World Schools Festival 2019, Grey swatted aside all-comers and this group shall travel to the World Schools Festival with a weight of expectation to impress.

St Michael’s College (Ireland)

The Dublin-based college have long been admired for the quality of rugby player that the school has produced, and Ireland’s brilliant school’s system has been credited with leading Ireland to the No 1 ranking in the world.

Modern Irish rugby internationals such as Dan Leavy, James Ryan, Ross Byrne and Ronan Kelleher are just some of the players that have come through the ranks at the college.

Leinster School’s Cup titles in 2012 and 2019 further illustrate the pedigree of this rugby production line.

Millfield School (England)

The men in red, green and blue have time and time again proved themselves as trend-setters in England, with notable alumni including Chris Robshaw and world great, Gareth Edwards. They enjoyed an unbeaten season in the 2020/2021 season and there will be fevered speculation about how well they will perform in the competition in Thailand.

Director of Rugby John Mallett had this to say about the school taking part in the competition.

“Rugby is not only about competing hard on the field, but also making friendships for life off the field. We are very excited to be playing in a new competition and format alongside some of the very best rugby playing schools in the world. It is truly a unique and ground-breaking tournament, and will definitely showcase school’s rugby.”

The final three sides that taking part in the festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

Trinity School (England)

Trinity from Croydon – one of the top in-form rugby teams in England – have been named as the latest addition to the World Schools Festival in Thailand this December. The London school have risen up the ranks in impressive fashion over the past few years in schools rugby and having enjoyed success as RFU National Cup champions in 2021/2022, they have continued that form this season and beaten many of the top schools that have been put in their way.

Cardiff and Vale College (Wales)

The squad from South Wales will fly to Thailand off the back of being winners of the Welsh Schools and Colleges Cup in December 2021. Despite only setting their rugby programme up in 2016 as a partnership and development programme with Cardiff Rugby, CAVC have vast experience in the world of the highly-competitive Welsh schoolboy scene. A notable 28 alumni have put on the Three Feathers to represent the Welsh U18s or the Welsh Senior 7s and over 100 have represented Cardiff Rugby in on an academy or professional level, including Welsh cap Ben Thomas.

The Odyssey XV

The Odyssey XV is an invitational team that is open to all Under 18 rugby players regardless of nationality or playing level who wish to enjoy a festival like experience and forge strong bonds with like minded young athletes.

“The squad will bring together players from across the world, and with our top class coaching team, we know the players will have a once in a lifetime experience. It is going to be a fantastic week.”

- Simon Lewis, Director of Rugby, Odyssey XV