Trinity 1st XV rugby captain coached by England’s finest

07 Jul 2016

Trinity School’s 1st XV captain, seventeen year old Charlie Fatoma, had the opportunity to be coached by some of England’s finest rugby players during the NatWest Schools Cup academy day at England’s training base, Pennyhill Park, after impressing selectors this season. The day was designed to provide young talented players from the NatWest Schools Cup competition with the opportunity to experience first-hand a day in the life of an international player.

Elite players from the highest level were in attendance to run the session, including former England captain and current squad member Chris Robshaw as well as Dave Atwood and Matt Kvesic. The England players took the boys through all of their media advertising protocols, and put them through their paces with some elite level strength and conditioning and touch rugby games.

Charlie, who plays fly half, is currently studying English literature, business studies, and Spanish at Trinity School (Croydon), which he has attended since 2009 when he joined as a Year 6 student. After his exams he plans to delay attending university for a year in order to focus on his rugby after signing a professional contract with the Ealing Trail Finders, a Championship level club.

Charlie commented: “Signing the contract with Ealing Trail Finders is a dream come true.”

It has been an impressive season of achievements for Trinity School Rugby since hosting the French team for the Rugby World Cup last year, an opportunity that has set new heights for one of the most talked about rugby schools in the country. Trinity has recently hosted the USA Sevens ahead of the HSBC Sevens World Series, picked up a national title at U13 level and now boasts two national team captains in the Upper Sixth form (Year 13), with Gabriel Ibitoye captaining the England U18 side along with Charlie who has captained the England U18 Counties team.

Photo: Charlie Fatoma