There is no better indicator of the health of the Youth section than the fact there were 51 registered players in the Colts squad this season, with everyone getting game time through the season.

The Colts played 14 fixtures and won 5, three of which were at Hazelmere! We continue to uphold the principle of every player getting at least a half, which is more important than the results. We only had to select a team for the final fixture, to give U18s a final hurrah.
As seems to be the way with Colts rugby, the Autumn was disrupted by commitments to school rugby. Highlights included wins over Battersea and Wimbledon and a big win versus Sutton & Epsom in the Waterfall Cup Finals.

In the Spring, with the return of some super-sized Under 18s, the performances improved week-on-week. The final game of the season, the Surrey Finals, gave us a glimpse of what could have been with a terrific win over our bogey team, Old Cranleighans. We also enjoyed two hotly contested matches home and away versus Gus Graham’s Effingham, sharing the spoils.

A number of the U18s completed the Six Nations of tours, with a visit to Biella, Northern Italy in March. Biella were fantastic hosts and can really play.

A few player call-outs:
• Theo Pratt represented the club in Surrey County U18s.
• Player of the season was Max Delamain, who was the ever-present talisman, with a never-say-die attitude.
• Highest try scorer was Elliot Redon, who returned to rugby this season from a secondment to football. He brought extreme French flair that added guile to our attacking moves.
• Most improved players over the season, both U17s: Dan Roberts and Tommy Baker. Both will be key leaders in the Colts next season.

Pro coach, Dev Hope made a big difference this year with his attention to detail and ability to explain key concepts in simple, at times 'colourful', language. The Colts are delighted that Dev will continue into the 2024-5 season. Ben Ashworth, Head of Youth Physio, will also remain with the Colts into his 4th season next year. Ben is a highly valued member of the Colts and is praised by the players for the quality of his care. The hugely passionate and dedicated Andy Donovan, U17 Head Coach, will lead the Colts next season.

Some key leaders of the Youth Division finished their Coaching journey this year. Chris Williams, Ed Rodney-Smith and Francis Keeling have accomplished a huge amount with their age group and set standards for the Youth Division to follow. This season also sees the graduation of Ted Wainman, the Marco Polo of Barnes Youth into the Under 22s. Ted has been the architect of so many amazing tours, and a true pathfinder establishing templates and rugby club relations across Europe for Barnes age groups to follow.

The “graduating” Under 18 players are now looking forward to playing in the growing Under 22s squad and potentially progressing to the seniors one day, especially into the new Development Team for younger players, learning or working in London.

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