King Edward’s School’s 1st XV rugby player, Max Ojomoh, has signed his first long-term senior academy contract with Bath Rugby.
Max (pictured above wit and Craig Lilley (Head of Rugby at KES), Martin Boden (Headmaster), John Tidball (Assistant Head & Rugby coach) joins three other players from the Academy’s U18 group who will continue their journey with Bath Rugby after they complete their A Levels this summer.
Academy Manager, Andy Rock commented, “Signing these four young men on long-term contracts is a clear commitment from both the club and from each of them as individuals. It is an opportunity for us to support them to become first team players with Bath Rugby and to help each of them realise their potential. Our ambition to develop a senior squad with 50% homegrown players is clear and alongside the aspiration of these four young men to develop and play at the highest level, it is an exciting time in our academy.
“We believe that Archie, Max, Nahum and Gabe all have some key attributes that can see them emerge as Premiership players in the years to come. Not only do we all enjoy working with them, but our staff have developed incredible relationships with each and every one, which is so important as we move into this next phase of their journeys and support their transition to the senior game.
“We have an incredibly committed group of staff in the academy here and alongside the clubs and schools in our region that have worked with these players, they should feel proud of the work they have done to support these young men in their journeys so far.”
Max Ojomoh playing for KES 1st XV Autumn 2018
A Bath Rugby Pathway Player since the age of 13, Max is very much a home-grown player, having joined KES in Nursery, and played school rugby since Junior School. Currently studying Business Studies, Chemistry and Biology, Max looks set to continue his education alongside playing for Bath, and hopes to study Business Analytics at the University of Bath.
Commenting on his signing, Max said, “It’s amazing to think that just days after sitting my final A Level exam on 19 June, I will be moving to Farleigh House and starting pre-season training with Bath. KES has always been extremely supportive of my rugby career, providing a pathway programme here at school which has helped me to develop as a player. Mr Lilley, Head of Rugby, has been instrumental in this, from setting up personalised skills sessions here at school, to preparing me for challenging situations such as playing A League rugby.”
Max added, “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, but in June the hard work continues as I look to develop my professional career. Having grown up and gone to school in Bath, it means a great deal to me personally to be continuing my transition to senior rugby with Bath. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
Commenting on the news, Mr Craig Lilley, Head of Rugby at KES, said, “As a coach it’s been a pleasure helping Max develop as a player. Alongside nurturing our pupils’ academic ambitions, the rugby pathway programme at school is designed to be fully supportive of our most talented sportsmen and works in tandem with the Academy’s programme to develop players of the future. I am looking forward to watch Max further develop on his journey and I have no doubt that he can challenge for a first team spot in the future.