Rob Wood BY JIMMY DAVIES
The legendary American basketball coach John Wooden once said, ‘nothing will work unless you do’. Rob epito- mises this idea, as a person and as a professional. Throughout his time as a member of staff at Dulwich College, he has invested an enormous amount of energy in the job.
A product of Loughborough University and a former professional rugby player at Worcester Warriors, Rob joined as a Graduate Sports Assistant in September 2012. He was a highly valued and well-respected member of the Physical Education and Games Department from the very start. Enthusiastic about sport and exercise, he was able to excite and enthuse boys across the full age and ability range. He had a profound impact on all who were fortunate enough to work with him. It was Rob’s engagement with rugby in all its forms that has stood out most during his 12-year stint. Given Rob’s unrivalled passion for the game, his rise to become Head of Rugby in September 2021 surprised no-one. It seemed like the dream occupation for someone so infatuated with all aspects of the sport: from the glamour of attacking play to the brutality of a defensive maul and the excruci- ating detail of a line-out. Rugby World Cup winning coach Graham Henry once famously said that, as an All Black, ‘it’s your job to continue the legacy and add to it when you get your opportunity’. Rob was inspired by this thought and certainly brought it to life in the three years he was in charge. Rob fulfilled the role of Head of Rugby with aplomb. He was extremely driven and ambitious, incredibly dedicated to the task of raising participation across all age groups, and he worked tirelessly to improve the ability of all the boys lucky enough to be coached by him. His impact on the 1st XV during his tenure was particularly notable, and the most ambitious players undoubtedly benefited from his wealth of rugby knowledge. He also did a wonderful job of gaining the support of the wider Common Room, and his end-of-season celebration events will no doubt live long in the memory.
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