Taunton School students play for national and regional teams

6 August 2026

A number of Taunton School students have recently played for England, Ireland and Somerset across hockey, rugby, and cricket.

Brothers Ben and Tom B were thrilled to be selected for the England U18 and U16 hockey teams respectively, playing in the recent 8 Nations tournament against countries including Spain, Netherlands, and Canada. On top of this, Tom was chosen to be part of the leadership squad for the tournament and was named as player of the match in one of the games.

Rugby player Caspar R has been selected for the England U18 squad which is set to tour South Africa this summer in the 2026 U18 International Series. Meanwhile, students Jack and Heryck have represented the Irish Qualified U18s during their recent tour of Ireland.

Recent leaver Ben C has joined Taunton School alumnus Kian Roberts in the Somerset County Cricket Club squad for this year’s Metro Bank One Day Cup, following fantastic performances alongside fellow students Oscar C, Will M, Ben S and Jack B with the Somerset 2nd XI which also saw Oscar C play as captain.

Director of Sport at Taunton School, Dan Pettifer, said: “I am extremely proud of every student who has seen their hard work pay off through national and regional team selections. It has been wonderful to witness their progress throughout their school journeys which has been aided by our incredible teachers and coaches.”

Ben and Tom B are no strangers to their respective England hockey squads, having been selected last November. Rugby player Caspar is also familiar with the England U18 team having accumulated four caps already alongside his matches with Bristol Bears who he gained a professional contract with earlier this year, while the School’s cricketers have been part of the Somerset Pathway and Somerset Academy for many years.

Find out more about sport at Taunton School  https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/explore/co-curricular/sport/.