St Edward's School welcomes rising rugby talent

Brody first came to the school’s attention around six months ago through the parent of a current student who also plays for a local club. Having watched Brody play, they encouraged the school to take a closer look.

At the time, Brody was competing for a local team, demonstrating both talent and potential but without access to the elite-level coaching and facilities that a school like St Edward’s can offer.

Now, with his scholarship secured, Brody is set to benefit from a significantly enhanced rugby pathway while also receiving the high-quality academic education for which the school is known.

St Edward’s holds a strong rugby pedigree, with notable alumni including former Gloucester and England No.8 James Forrester and ex-Premiership fullback Jon Goodridge. The school continues to push toward new heights, with ambitions that match its history.

Brody’s coach, Joe Winpenny, expressed the school’s broader athletic vision.

“From a rugby perspective, we are really aspirational. We want to be a top 10 school in the country, so we want to mix it with the top schools, such as Millfield. Our fixture card is moving slightly towards that and next year there’ll be significantly more challenge within the fixture card. But that’s really important because we need that in order to see where we are.”

Winpenny also highlighted the unique team culture fostered by the school’s boarding environment.

“Because we are a boarding school, the boys are so incredibly tight. They spend every moment of every day together, particularly in the rugby season, which means when it comes to game day, they’re willing to fight for each other.”

For Brody, finding out about potentially getting the scholarship was a moment he won’t forget. “Immediately, I was filled with excitement. I was really happy, I didn’t get my hopes up too much, but I was happy.”

His first visit to St Edward’s left a deep impression. “I just wanted to stay there from that moment. It’s amazing, all those massive buildings and stuff, it was really cool.”

But it wasn’t just the facilities that stood out. What resonated most was the sense of unity. “It’s more of a brotherhood and a family than a school. From house life to school life to on the rugby pitch, it’s so different from what I’ve had before. You’re all together and it’s so much nicer and more of a bond, and you fight for each other. It’s really nice.”

Brody is already relishing the technical development and personal support available at St Edward’s. “When we’re training, the technicality of the rugby is so much more helpful, and it helps you develop much more because they teach you in more depth and the coaches really care about you, and it’s nice to have.”

With his talent, enthusiasm, and newfound environment, Brody Withers is poised to thrive both academically and athletically. St Edward’s School, with its ambitious rugby vision and culture of camaraderie, provides the perfect foundation for the young outside centre to fulfil his promise.

As he steps into this next chapter, Brody becomes not only the latest addition to the school’s rugby legacy but also a symbol of its commitment to nurturing emerging talent.