On a bright Friday in November, Hurst was thrilled to welcome back former pupil Chris Preen, who began his journey at the school in Year 7 before progressing through Crescent House and St John’s.
Chris spent the day sharing his expertise and experiences with current pupils, putting his skills to excellent use by coaching SPS rugby players and working closely with both the U13 and Senior Rugby squads. He also met with award holders, offering invaluable advice drawn from his own remarkable rugby career.
During his visit, Chris spoke about his journey from Hurst to Loughborough University, which ultimately led to him signing with professional side Worcester Warriors Rugby Club, where he now plays. His story resonated strongly with pupils, as he once sat in the same classrooms and played on the same pitches they do today.
The day concluded with a special presentation from 1st XV Captain Ned Taggart, who awarded Chris an Honorary Hurst Cap in recognition of his achievements and contributions. A standout moment was a photo of Chris representing the world-famous Barbarians RFC, proudly wearing his university socks alongside the iconic red and white of Hurst—a nod to the Barbarians’ tradition of players wearing their own socks.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chris for his time, energy, and insight, which left a lasting impression on all who attended.
