27-05-2025
‘I had no doubt that Christian Wade would make it as a rugby player'
When Jon Scourfield surprises Christian Wade at Kingsholm, Gloucester Rugby's ground, the former England wing almost jumps out of his skin before an enormous smile creases his face. Scourfield had been a rugby league player with the London Broncos and, after retiring, found his way to the Royal Grammar School, RGS High Wycombe which is where he came across the diminutive 11 year old Wade who even then was brimming with talent.
'I first saw him in year 7. He didn't want to play rugby. He thought of himself as a footballer,' Scourfield explains. 'I was doing some little 25m sprints at a games session and wow! He was beating everybody by five or 10m. If it hadn't been rugby it would have been athletics.
'Christian quickly bought into rugby despite his lack of size. I had no doubt that he had the potential to be a professional rugby player.
'He's brave in many ways, physically and in his willingness to step outside of comfort zones. To try to become an American footballer, to return to rugby and play for Racing in the top 14, switch to Gloucester and then make another switch to rugby league – well It says a lot about him.
'He always stood out. He can strike you as a bit laid-back but he has the capacity to work incredibly hard. I couldn't be any prouder of him – he is very humble.'
The feeling is clearly reciprocated.
'When I first went to RGS I still wanted to play football, but that soon changed,' Wade explains. 'Mr Scourfield played a huge part in my rugby development and also my development as a human being. He was always there to support us. He taught us discipline and was a great mentor, always pushing.'
Wade appreciates how his schooldays have helped to shape him in adult life.
'A lot of it was about instilling the discipline you need to succeed. I had that at school and at home – it was part of my Caribbean background. My mother's family had come over from St Vincent to better themselves, and that could only be achieved by hard work and discipline.
'They were strict and instilled a work ethic. The good habits from school and home, from an early age, become part of you. If you don't do the right things and work hard, if you take shortcuts in training, there is always going to be that voice in the back of your mind. It's important to always have that voice.'
As a passionate advocate of spreading the rugby gospel beyond its traditional public school heartlands, Wade fully supports the Gallagher Touchline Academy, a free and easy-to-follow rugby programme designed to provide teachers with the skills and confidence to teach rugby. The programme has been created in partnership with Gallagher Premiership Rugby Clubs and will be rolled out in schools across the UK over the next three years. The initiative will empower teachers, helping them to deliver rugby lessons in schools, inspiring the next generation of players and fans.
'I want to be part of that movement to get rugby back into state schools.
'That is going to be huge. I know the impact good coaching at school had on me. I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have to pay for my education via the 11+, but not everybody is lucky and gets the quality of training.
'Learn the basics at school, get that enthusiasm for the game and then join the local club – you create great networks, friendships and camaraderie.
'As a youngster, boredom is your enemy. There aren't the youth clubs we used to have when I was young. When you are idle this is when mischievous stuff happens and issues develop, and we need to give kids some stuff to do. We need to give kids more opportunities to play rugby and sport in general.'
Scourfield's teaching philosophy embraces all of that.
'You have to make it enjoyable. The physical aspect of rugby can be quite challenging for young year 7 pupils who have never experienced the game before. Enjoyment is the main thing though, if they have that they will continue into adulthood, whatever sport they choose.
'Rugby teaches so many life skills: respect for themselves, team-mates and opposition. I see students now that, without the discipline aspect of rugby, would find life a little bit harder.'
From his own personal experience, Scourfield appreciates the need for rugby to spread its wings if it is to thrive.
'I am aware of the challenges. My job before RGS was introducing rugby and cricket at a comprehensive secondary school. If we can't get more players coming from a more diverse background, then the sport that changed my life is going to change and possibly even wither a bit. All the players coming from independent school backgrounds is not sustainable long-term.
'The reason I got into rugby was that a teacher tapped me on the back at my comprehensive and said, 'Come and give this sport a go.' In the end, rugby has given me a life.
'My message [to teachers] is to get involved, you will almost certainly really enjoy it. Be the coach who brings through the next Christian Wade!'
Watch the moments that Ellis Genge, Christian Wade and Marcus Smith were surprised by their teachers and mentors.
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