SGS College Male Rugby has concluded an exceptional ACE season, marking significant progress with seven wins from 11 fixtures—the fifth-most wins in the competition. Despite finishing in the 11th-place playoff, this season stands out as the most successful in the program's last nine years, showcasing the team’s growth and determination.

Season Performance Review: Progress and Promise
Director of Rugby Dan Cox reflected on the season, stating:
"It's not the outcome we aimed for, but I am proud of the players. They worked relentlessly and always bounced back strong. We lost two crucial games at key moments, which impacted our position. That's sport, and they'll grow from those lessons. As a program striving to be the best in the competition and the country, we will take the lessons from this year to improve further."

Key Highlights from the Season

• Historic Victory: Beating Hartpury College 8-7 away for the first time in SGS ACE history, a landmark moment for the program.
• Dramatic Comebacks: A thrilling last-minute victory against Bishops Wandsworth at home showcased the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
• Tough Lessons: A narrow loss to Truro at home left the team reflecting on what could have been, as a win would have secured third place in the pool and highlighted the fierce competition in ACE rugby.

Player Development: A Bright Future
This season underscored SGS Rugby's commitment to nurturing young talent and player development.

• Young Stars: 16 first-year players were given opportunities to compete, a testament to the program’s focus on building for the future.
• Standout Performers: Bristol Bears U18s players Taylor Coles and Kobey Matthews delivered exceptional performances throughout the season.
• Breakthrough Players: First-year standouts Bruno Lamb, Will Papp, Ned Hill, Sam Morris, and Evan Russell demonstrated their potential on the pitch.
• Most Improved Player: Callum Baldwin, nicknamed the "destructive Welshman," showed remarkable growth and earned a well-deserved call-up to the Bears U18s squad.

Looking Ahead
SGS Rugby is eager to build on this season's success, taking the lessons learned to propel the program to even greater heights. With a strong foundation, a roster of promising young players, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the future looks bright for SGS Rugby.

About SGS College Rugby
SGS College Rugby is dedicated to combining academic excellence with elite athletic development. The program provides student-athletes with the skills and experiences needed to excel both on and off the field, fostering a culture of resilience, leadership, and teamwork.

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