Trafalgar School teacher recognised for impact on school rugby
With many schoolteachers across the country inspiring their pupils, one who has made a particular mark is Mark Lerpiniere from Trafalgar School in Wiltshire.
Mark was recently nominated for an England Rugby Schools Services to Schools Rugby Awards, following heartfelt messages from both parents and students.
The letter from U16 Trafalgar team described Mark as a coach, mentor and father figure who has profoundly shaped their school experience.
They credit him with building not just a rugby team, but also their confidence, character, and a place to belong.
One of the students Moosa said: “"His leadership and wisdom have not only made talented rugby players, but also lifelong friendships and memories. He was just a mate you could always rely on. His effort wasn’t just in rugby, but in touching the lives of all of us."
The sentiment was echoed by the parents.
Rev Katy Ullyatt, Arthur’s parent, said: “Rugby has changed many of these young people for the better and given them opportunities that they may not have had.”
Mark joined Trafalgar School in 2021 and found that rugby wasn’t being played by the school.
Determined to reintroduce the sport, he set up a lunchtime club open to all. Just four Year 8 boys attended the first session.
Undeterred, Mark continued to build interest, and the numbers soon grew.
Today, 313 of the school’s 795 pupils have taken part in rugby, and every year now have both boys’ and girls’ teams.
At the heart of Mark’s success is his inclusive and encouraging approach.
He said: “It’s never been about winning for us. If you train, you’ll get a game for the school, which is why I think we’ve had so many play. They’ve worked hard in training and then they’ve got a game.
“I’ve had so many kids say to me, ‘I would never have played if it wasn’t for you’, and that’s the most rewarding bit for me.
“It’s as good an achievement as if someone were to go all the way and represent their country. If I played a part in getting them into a game, that’s enough for me.”
Beyond Trafalgar School, Mark is a member of the Dorset and Wiltshire Schools Committee, the Girls Rugby Lead, and the Dorset and Wiltshire CB Liaison.
Over the past two years, he has organised girls’ school rugby festivals for U12s, U14s and U16s in South Wiltshire. Thanks to his work, Salisbury Rugby Club, where he also coaches, now has more girls playing than ever before.
Mark’s nomination is a fitting tribute to a teacher who has, in his students’ words, taught them “incredibly valuable life lessons that stretch far beyond the rugby pitch.”
