Former Tockington Rugby Star Captains For Oxford University

Former Tockington Manor School pupil, Otis Walker, recently had the opportunity to lead his Oxford University Rugby Football Club (OURFC) team during their European tour. The school was proud to support Otis as a part sponsor of the tour, which saw his team spend two weeks in Georgia. ‘My last point of reference being rugby captain was at Tockington so I spent much of the morning before freestyling some motivational words for my impending team talk!’ laughs Otis. He has been playing for the Oxford Blues, the University’s First XVI, since last year and has written a diary of his experiences on the tour for the TMS website.

‘We were so pleased to be able to support Otis on this tour and make a contribution to his future success.’ says Tockington Manor School Headmaster Stephen Symonds. ‘He is a tremendous sportsman and we are honoured to have played a part in his journey.’ Otis left Tockington with a Headmaster’s Scholarship to Haberdashers’ Monmouth in 2018, where he also became Deputy Head Boy. He is in his second year at Oxford University, studying Geography.

‘Going on tour is so important for our team development,’ says Club President George Morgan. ‘Apart from developing our rugby, the experience helps foster team spirit and enables the group to become closer as a unit, whilst immersed in a new culture.’ The OURFC teams go on tour every year and sponsors are invited to support the players by contributing to accommodation and travel costs.

Tockington Manor School is looking forward to taking some of its pupils down to Otis’ home ground at Oxford later this year, with future sports stars getting to hear more about what it takes to play rugby at a higher level.