Rainford High’s Year 7 rugby team will take centre stage at Wembley Stadium this weekend as they compete in the Steven Mullaney Memorial Match – the national final of the Rugby Football League’s inspiresport Champion Schools competition.
The final, which kicks off Challenge Cup Finals Day on Saturday 7 June, will see Rainford High face Sirius Academy West from Hull, following an emphatic 32–0 semi-final victory over Brooksbank School in Elland.
The match represents the culmination of an exceptional season for Rainford High, having already secured both the St Helens Schools Rugby League Year 7 Cup and the North West Schools Rugby League Year 7 Trophy . Victory at Wembley would see them crowned treble winners.
The Steven Mullaney Memorial Match is one of the most prestigious fixtures in the schools’ rugby league calendar. This year’s final is especially significant for Rainford High, as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of former student and St Helens RFC star Jonny Lomax’s appearance in the same final for the school.
To mark the occasion, Jonny Lomax will present the current team with their match shirts during a special evening event hosted by St Helens RFC in the build-up to the final.
The team’s route to Wembley has been underpinned by Rainford High’s core values: ‘Everyone Helps, Everyone Matters, Everyone Succeeds’. The players have demonstrated outstanding commitment, attending regular training sessions and working together to improve individually and as a team.
Mr Andrew Skerry, Year 7 learning leader and PE teacher, said: “The boys have been a credit to the school all season. They’ve shown real discipline, drive and resilience, and their results speak for themselves. To now take this team to Wembley is incredibly special. The staff are immensely proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Mr Ian Young, principal of Rainford High, said: “We’re really proud of our Year 7 rugby team. Reaching the national final is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the effort and
teamwork the boys have shown all season. It’s a brilliant opportunity for them to experience something very special at Wembley.”
The Year 7 team will travel to London on Friday morning, departing from the Totally Wicked Stadium alongside the St Helens RFC Women’s team, where they will be waved off by proud family members, staff and supporters.
The players will take part in a tour of Wembley Stadium on arrival, making the whole experience all the more memorable.
Mr Young added: “Playing at Wembley is a memorable moment for any young player. The boys have worked hard and shown great commitment – whatever happens on the day, they’ve done the school proud.”