’Some of the best to ever play’: TSS to farewell all-time greats

The Southport School will farewell some of the greatest rugby players in school history when the First XV take the field for the final time in 2020.

The Southport School will farewell some of the greatest rugby players in school history when the First XV take the field for the final time in 2020.

For graduating Year 12 students the round eight clash with Ipswich Grammar School at Brassall will be the last time they pull on their school colours before the bye week ends their season next week.

Coach Mike Wallace said some of his departing seniors students were among the best ever to emerge from Southport’s halls, which include Wallabies Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons and Tom Lawton Jr.

Michael van der Schyff of TSS leads out the team against BBC during their GPS Rugby clash. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

“The thing about the (Year) 12s is they leave behind a strong legacy of performance and attention to detail,” Wallace said.

“They are some of the best players ever to play at the school.

“Michael van der Schyff, Harry Vousty and Jojo Fifita are up there with the best players ever to play at the school.

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“They were members of an undefeated Premiership side (in 2019), and if we’re good enough to beat Ipswich they’ll go through their entire First XV careers losing just one game.

“Jojo Fifita is arguably the best player in the whole competition but unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to see him in full flight for a season.”

Seniors Jonathan Burnett, Caid Jenkins and debutant Luca Sibson will say goodbye on their own terms today while a host of others, including Beau Arscott, James Pere and Fifita will watch on from the sidelines after injuries ruled them out for selection.

Jojo Fifita of TSS runs with the ball against BBC during their GPS Rugby clash. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

“It is our last game and that’s always sad,” Wallace said.

“The boys love playing footy and rugby season is my favourite time of the year so it’s always a bit sad when it comes to an end.”

Ipswich will pose a formidable challenge with size and speed across the park.

Ipswich are considered TSS’ bogey team and reinforced that reputation in a 29-all draw in round nine last year.

Earlier