England rugby international, Paul Hodgson, visited Caterham School on 11 October to take training sessions with the U18 and U14A squads. The London Irish RFC player, who only narrowly missed out on Martin Johnson’s World Cup squad, ran two excellent sessions on offloading, running lines, and decision making.
This coaching session was just one of the links the school has set up with local clubs. A London Irish RFC coach comes to the school weekly to work with the U12’s and Esher 1st XV player, David Millard, also visits weekly to work with the U16s and U18s.
Caterham School Director of Sport, Rob Clarke, said ‘In addition to playing for London Irish, Paul is a very good coach. He is looking to expand the amount of coaching he does and I am planning to set up regular sessions with him for all our teams. Combined with the exisitng links we have with London Irish RFC and Esher RFC, I know that our boys will really benefit from his involvement in our rugby programme. His energetic and engaging manner impressed the pupils and their skills improved under his expert tuition. Following the sessions our 1st XV secured a comfortable 19-3 Daily Mail Vase victory over Ewell Castle and the U14A beat local rivals Royal Albert & Alexandra, 35-22.’
Photo: Paul Hogson with pupils.