Trafalgar School teacher nominated for award

Mark Lerpiniere from the Trafalgar School was recently nominated for an England Rugby Schools Services to Schools Rugby Awards, following heartfelt messages from both parents and students.

The letter from the 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."

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 has both boys’ and girls’ teams. Mark 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.”

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.”