Shiplake Rugby Stars Play for England

21 May 2014

Saturday 26 April will go down as a momentous day in Shiplake College’s proud rugby history as two pupils from the College represented England in youth team internationals. First up was Fili Savou, a current Year 11 pupil, who took to the field to make his England U17 debut against France. Initially named on the bench, Fili was thrust into the action after just 15 minutes, coming on at outside centre. The Fiji-born powerhouse made an instant impact, holding off several tackles to score with his very first touch. Fili recalls: “As soon as I got the ball I knew it was try time. It was an unbelievable feeling to score in the biggest game of my life, I was absolutely buzzing for the rest of the match.”

The second half proved to be much more difficult for England, as the French came back strongly. Going into the last few minutes, England trailed the tight match 25-22. At this point, normal tactics went out the window and desperation kicked in. Fili explains: “We were supposed to run patterns but at that stage we could not afford to take any risks. Every single player on our team was smashing the ball up the middle. We worked together brilliantly as a team and fought for each other.” Numerous short bursts gradually made up the required ground and eventually England’s blind side flanker powered the ball over the line with just 30 seconds left on the clock. The whole place erupted and the England fly half successfully converted the try to earn a 29-25 victory and avenge the defeat they suffered to France last year.

Fili, who also plays for Saracens academy, is now looking forward to moving up to the U18 national side next season. The highlight will be the junior version of the six nations championships which takes place in Italy next summer.

The second fixture at Broadstreet RFC in Coventry also saw a familiar face in action. London Wasps winger Tom Howe, who left Shiplake College in 2013, continued his own fledgling international career lining up for England U19 also against France. This match proved to be a much more comfortable affair for England, who built up a 16-3 half time lead. France briefly threatened a second half comeback, but England held firm and the match finished 28-15. In March, Tom scored on his Aviva Premiership debut for London Wasps against Heineken Cup finalists Saracens.

Photo: Fili Savou