In Conversation With...Millfield Director of Rugby, John Mallett

In this latest episode of our ‘In Conversation With’ sport podcast series, we meet Millfield Director of Rugby John Mallett. Before heading up the rugby programme at Millfield, former Millfield rugby player John Mallett was part of the key time in rugby where the sport was beginning to turn professional. In this episode, John discusses his time playing for Bath and subsequently being called up for England, as well as meeting Nelson Mandela. He retired from rugby in 2003 and pursued a teaching career at Marlborough and Brighton College before moving on to lead the rugby programme at Millfield. The main aim of Millfield Rugby is to develop individual players in an enjoyable and challenging environment. At least three teams compete in each age group so physically smaller players can develop without being overpowered by those who have had an early growth spurt. Players are monitored carefully, regardless of the team they play in.Confidence is particularly important, and this is fostered by playing a '15 man game' at levels where everybody is able to contribute. Enjoyment and development are at the heart of Millfield Rugby. We enjoy winning and this is a part of our sport but not the main motivation.Rugby is offered to girls as a MAP (Millfield Activity Programme) option and as a summer games option.There are a large number of Old Millfieldians who are playing and have played international rugby. Currently this includes Chris Robshaw, Harlequins and former Captain for England; England prop, Mako Vunipola; Jonathan Joseph, Bath and England; Huw Jones and Adam Hastings, Glasgow and Scotland; and Gareth Edwards of Wales and The British Lions who is an OM and our current Millfield Rugby president.Learn more about Rugby at Millfield here: https://bit.ly/38xct8C