As part of our Year 12/13 Academy reviews we interviewed several Academy coaches. We had an Academy Review a chat with Rams (National 1) Head Coach Seb Reynolds as he spoke about heading up the Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy as almost like a homecoming.
Head of Rugby – Rams Rugby Academy (Forest School)
When did you start playing rugby?
I actually joined Rams RFC as a mini aged 7 and I stayed playing at Rams RFC as a Youth, Colt and Men’s Sevens and 1st XV player before retiring at 28. I then worked towards coaching and finally becoming the 1st XV Head coach. I also played age group county and some Berkshire county Men’s games during my career. I have also been the Head of Rugby at Rams Rugby Academy (Forest School) since 2019.
So you have only ever played at Rams (formerly Redingensians) RFC?
Well I had a year out and played in New Zealand (aged 22) for a year (Clifton Rugby, Taranaki, North Island) and the experience simply cemented my passion for the game. It was very skilful, VERY physical but also very relaxed as the players and country simply loved the game.
Did you play any other sports or was rugby your only sport?
I played a multitude of sports including football and cricket (for Hurst, Wargrave and Coppid Hall) but once I found senior rugby and then “summer” rugby sevens even my cricket took to the back burner as my enjoyment and focus on rugby took over. We played sevens tournaments in Kinsale, Amsterdam, Benidorm, Marbella and even Dubai and even now I would recommend players adding sevens to their repertoire when possible. I would also add however that playing various sports as I came through the age groups was immensely rewarding and I believe helped my rugby.
Why did Rams RFC decide to partner with The Forest School?
We have always wanted to continue with our community support. At The Forest they have always had a very good rugby tradition. I should also note that I also played rugby at school and the school WAS The Forest School. My memories of rugby were very positive, I even remember touring to Canada as a state school and reaching the quarter finals of the Daily Mail Cup. The decision when looking at options became an easy one when James Egglesham (Head of Sport) and I discussed a rugby academy but as a lifestyle platform.
What is the set-up like at Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy ?
The Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy will have senior coaches who are actively coaching or playing at National 1 status which we believe is one of the highest levels of coaching within the Academies across Berkshire. As a former student at Forest this is a real passion for me to make this become a strong movement and the commitment we have put behind this demonstrates this.
The Year 12 intake for rugby academy players we will be aiming for is between 15-20 boys so we have a playing squad of between 30 and 35 players. We will run one team initially but can expand to two teams as and when.
Berkshire County U18 Schools Cup – WINNER 2018/2019
The Forest School has also recently had all their pitches renovated as well having a new training dome installed which means that we will be able to maximise training time without weather implications. They are also in the process of updating their school gym . The Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy squad will also get access to the Rams RFC gym as well as the school gym for Strength & Conditioning sessions.
Our staff (session based) include;
| ROLE | STAFF & SUPPORT |
| Head Coach | Seb Reynolds |
| Academy Programme Manager | Mike Tewkesbury |
| Forwards/Technical Coach | James Baker |
| Strength & Conditioning (Gym Management) | Joe Southwell |
| Physiotherapist | Access via Rams RFC Academy (not onsite) |
| Analysis | Video and Individual Skills Development |
What is the process for being accepted to Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy?
We have coordinate interviews with the School for potential players and will also arrange a training/ trial match as part of the rugby trial. The details are being finalised but will be based upon a training session, followed by a meal and then a trial match against a local team.
Trial Date: Fri 7th May
Do you offer day and weekly boarders at Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy?
It is primarily going to be day pupil programme , but as we move to offering places at Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy nationally then we will be looking at hosted family options for players/pupils. The benefit we see is that we are in the heart of the Rams RFC area and we have a strong family following at the club.
With the new season approaching what will a typical week look like?
| DAY | ACTIVITY |
| Monday | Training – AFTERNOON |
| Tuesday | Training – AFTERNOON |
| Wednesday | Match – AFTERNOON |
| Thursday | No Rugby Activity |
| Friday | S&C / Rugby Skills (at Rams RFC) – AFTERNOON |
Will you support players who are in other Academy’s?
If there are players who are already in London Irish or Wasps DPP (from U15/16) and train with the U18 Academy then we will support them in staying/coming to Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy and supporting their Academy pathway. We see our role in continuing to support their education pathway whilst increasing their access to rugby coaching from our National coach talent pool.
Do you allow players to play for their clubs or county?
This is fundamental and there was a myth that we intended to insist that all current players going into 6th form that would have to sign and play for Rams RFC Academy. This is not the case and we simply want to provide a community based academy programme for the Reading area with the options for players who not only enjoy their rugby but have varying pathways depending on their development in a high skills and coaching environment.
What other benefits do Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy offer their pupils that we might not be aware of?
We will be playing the majority of the games at Forest School but we will be using the Rams RFC (Gym and S&C centre) as well as the newly installed LED floodlight pitch at Rams as and when required or for showcase matches.
One of the most unique aspects of the partnership with The Forest School is that they have had a football Academy partnership with Championship side Reading Football Club since 2012 where they take players from the age of 14 so the sporting side of the school is strong and established. So much so that have recently installed a new Air Dome training pitch and new 3G pitch. This means that there will be continuity for rugby training with no weather implications for the Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy.
We also intend to offer;
- Pre Season Training Camps
- Coaching Sessions with National 1 players
Who are some of the Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy Alumni?
| PLAYER | CLUB / HONOURS |
| Seb Reynolds | Rams RFC/Berkshire now Rams 1st XV Head Coach |
| James Baker | Rams 1st XV |
| Ollie Cole | Rams 1st XV |
| Ross Crame | Rams 1st XV |
| Samir Kharbouch | Bury St Edmonds (Nat 2) |
| Spike Chandler | Rams 1st XV |
| Paddy Conlon | Rams 2nd XV (Head Coach) |
James Baker 
Ross Crame 
Ollie Cole 
Samir Kharbouch
What fixtures will Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy play?
Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy already have an extensive fixture list and play in the competitive SOCS Super Rugby U18 League. Schools included in this group include; Reading Blue Coat, Reading School, Claires Court School, Halliford School, Salesian College, Leighton Park School.
The key for us as coaches is to challenge the boys so we will continue to review as we move forward to get the most out of them as the programme develops. The school also participate in the Berkshire County U18 Cup and were proud winners in the last running of the competition in 2018/19 Season.
Finally, as the Head Coach what would you say to your younger self if you were given the opportunity to join the Rams Rugby (Forest School) Academy?
“If you want to enjoy yourself and continue to enjoy your weekend rugby playing with your friends while getting high level coaching support to develop your rugby then strongly consider Rams (Forest School) Rugby Academy”.
Seb Reynolds
Head of Rugby at Rams Rugby Academy
