Many, particularly some parents, may not know a lot about the ISRFC Lambs, so for those new to the Lambs, this is how they describe themselves:

“The Independent Schools RFC exists to create openings for boys to showcase their rugby skills at a representative level when they have been unable to do so due to other commitments or lack of selection opportunities. We do not seek to offer an alternative or a replacement for the RFU Representative or Academy structures; simply to see young players able to play competitively at as high a level as possible.”

They go beyond simply that though, and have a commitment to playing a ‘fast and free’ brand of rugby. Think of the Barbarians, and you will not go far wrong. Indeed they were originally known as the Independent School Barbarians, until the switch to being know as the Lambs.

The Lambs operate two squads, U18 and U16 (U16 nominations are currently being accepted). Both play a number of games through the Easter term, including against a number of Premiership Academies, with the U18s heading off on their annual Easter Tour at the end of term, this year they visit Argentina, having previously visited the likes of Zimbabwe and the USA.

Here at Fifteen Rugby we cover the Lambs exploits in depth. They give a real opportunity for players to really showcase their talents and have fun in an environment that encourages exciting play.

As Lambs Chairman Chris Terry said of the club’s ethos:

“The Lambs are all about rugby for the love of rugby. Rugby played for the joy of playing. We promote traditional rugby values and seek to play unreserved, heads up running rugby in a fast and expansive style, unfettered by the pressures of the modern game. We play to win, but to the Lambs the way the game is played is more important.”

A great sentiment, and a great reason to follow the Lambs’ exploits this season. Buckle up for a term of ‘fast and free’ rugby ahead!

That fast and free rugby began last weekend as the regional squads played their opening games, with the South West beating Cornwall U17 57-0, while the North XV lost narrowly, 26-24, to Woodhouse Grove. The South East and Midlands sides unfortunately saw their games cancelled.

The regional squads were selected following nominations made by school coaches across the country, followed by four regional trials before the squads were picked.

The next Lambs action takes place on Sunday 10^th January as the North take on the Midlands and the South East take on the South West. These games will act as trials for selection to the next stage of the Lambs process, which will see a Northern XV (from the North and Midlands) and a Southern XV (South East and South West) selected, you can see the squad lists (and their schools) at the foot of this article.

Those sides then play each other in what is the very last round of the rigorous selection process before selection to the ISRFC Lambs National Squad.

Speaking following the regional trials, Alex Laybourne, the Lambs National Director, said:

“As expected we have been able to select four very strong squads for the warm up games and regional matches. We are expecting some exciting, fast and free rugby to be on show as these boys represent their school and their region, whilst also aiming to gain selection to the next stage”

ISRFC Lambs Regional Squads: