Monmouth Haberdashers Lead Schools Rugby Trophy After Strong Start
The Welsh school remains undefeated with four wins heading into a key matchup.
Monmouth Haberdashers have emerged as a frontrunner in the 2026 SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy, securing four victories in the early weeks of the campaign.
The unbeaten Welsh school, coached by former international Richie Rees, has achieved wins including close contests against Bromsgrove (27-22) and Sir Thomas Rich's (38-25). Monmouth is set to play its fifth match against RGS Worcester, which will be broadcast live.
Rees, who joined Monmouth as director of sport in 2024, has instilled a philosophy of attacking rugby. The team's success is attributed to an experienced forward pack and talented backs, a blend that has helped them surpass their performance from the previous season.
Key players for Monmouth include lock Olly Beynon, who is part of the Dragons academy, and fly-half Elliot Young, who is on the Irish Exiles' radar. When Young was unavailable for the match against Sir Thomas Rich's, centre Jack Lawrence stepped in at fly-half.
Following their upcoming match, Monmouth has a half-term trip to South Africa planned for the end of October. The team is currently leading the Trophy standings, having taken the top spot from Seaford College.
Other strong contenders in the Trophy include second-placed Radley, which has also won four matches, including a decisive 60-0 victory over Epsom College. Clifton College, the 2024 champions, have secured four wins, with victories over former champions Harrow and Sedbergh.
Brighton College also boasts four wins, with captain Hugo Bressard contributing four tries from the full-back position. Brighton secured their latest win over Tonbridge with two second-half tries.
In a significant upset, John Fisher School achieved their first win in 17 years by defeating local rivals Whitgift with a score of 23-14.
Seaford College, an earlier leader, has returned to winning form with a 31-14 victory over Epsom College after a previous loss to Northampton School for Boys (NSFB). Harrison Lane scored three tries for Seaford in their win against Epsom.
NSFB, after an early stumble with losses to Mill Hill and Ipswich, has regained momentum, most recently defeating Berkhamsted 43-33.
Guildford RGS has become the first team in the competition to achieve five wins. Their undefeated record includes wins against The Judd (33-0), Wimbledon College (66-0), King’s Wimbledon (35-7), Hurstpierpoint (29-17), and St Paul’s (24-10).