Burnhill Cup Presentation

Yesterday, Old Grovian Steve Burnhill came back to school to present his eponymous Cup to James Whitcombe, Year 13.

James Whitcombe trophy

Like James, Steve was 1st XV Captain at the Grove, played for Leicester Tigers and represented England.

James made his U18 England debut in 2018 and is unable to attend Prize Day as he will be playing rugby in Australia on a Leicester Tigers exchange programme. Steve, therefore, kindly agreed to present him with the Burnhill Cup a few weeks early.

James has rugby in his blood. Dad, Martin Whitcombe, played for Sale Sharks, Leicester Tigers, Natal Sharks, Yorkshire and England B and Grandfather, Frank Whitcombe Jnr, played for Yorkshire and Bradford.

Here they are with a young James back in the day when he was still playing tag!

James whitcombe young

He’s come a long way since then! And who knows where his rugby journey will take him…

I am ambitious and committed.

I am Grovian.