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The Daily Mail is launching an exciting new competition today, carrying on their proud tradition of supporting schools rugby. Working in partnership with www.schoolsrugby.co.uk it is hoped the increased profile of the merit table will showcase the passion and high standard of Schools Rugby in Britain.
The aim of the merit table is to harness the traditional and established fixtures that are the bedrock of the Schools game. The Daily Mail Trophy includes many “one term” rugby Schools who have been unable to take part in the old Daily Mail Cup. To enter the Daily Mail Trophy schools need to arrange to play five matches against designated Trophy schools in the Autumn term. The prestigious Daily Mail Trophy will be awarded to the side that finishes at the top of our Merit Table.
History
The start of the 2012/13 season marked the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Team Leagues on the Schools' Rugby Website. They attract millions of page views every year and continue to be very popular and hotly debated by coaches, players, parents, alumni and followers around the World – indeed by everyone passionate about rugby at the grassroots.
Of the 3,000+ rugby playing schools in the UK, there are approximately 70 schools that play against at least 5 schools within the same group. The Daily Mail Trophy is based on these shared opponents. Whilst similar to the Performance and All Comers league, The Daily Mail Trophy is reflective of schools playing strong and long established fixtures.
The Daily Mail Trophy is non-disruptive to traditional fixture lists, highlighting the schools that play some of the toughest fixtures and giving more profile to schools not entering the various national competitions. Only fixtures played during the Autumn term are included.
Teams are awarded 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw and a bonus point for scoring 4 tries or more or losing by 7 points or less. Points are then averaged out per game and 0.1 points are awarded for every match played. This rewards Schools who play more Trophy Fixtures. The School with the highest average at the end of the Autumn term wins the coveted Daily Mail Trophy.
Well Received
The new competition has been welcomed by the schools coaching community.
'It's great to see the Daily Mail continuing the support for schools rugby,' said Sam Howard, head coach at Dulwich College. 'The Saturday fixtures played around the country are always competitive. I am certain the boys will be following all the results.'
Chris Wilkins, head coach at Daniel Cipriani's former school Whitgift, said: 'I'm sure that there will be plenty of debate on who beat who but it should help to bring more focus to schools rugby, which is good.'
And John Mallett, director of rugby at Millfield School, added: 'The merit table will give games an extra edge. Schools rugby is very competitive and I'm sure next season will be no exception.'
Read more about the competition on the Mail Online: Visit Mail Online
