Latest news with #MillfieldSchool
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Scotland star Huw Jones' route to the Lions that began with Cape Town school job
Huw Jones is in pole position to wear the No 13 jerset for British and Irish Lions this weekend as the Scotland star realises a dream having been overlooked by academies before a Cape Town gap year ignited his dream When Huw Jones was in his late teens he admitted that being a professional player "wasn't realistic" - more than a decade later and he's reached the pinnacle of British and Irish rugby. The Scotland centre had long been tipped to make the squad and, unlike some of his new team-mates, his path to getting to the present day was not a well trod one. Unlike the usual club into age grade representative rugby into an academy pathway Jones found himself as a school in Cape Town on a gap year. The Glasgow star is among those from the never ending production line that comes out of Millfield School in Somerset. It's rugby exports include Chris Robshaw and Mako Vunipola but Jones knew the professional career wasn't on the cards at 18. Rather than going to university he opted for a gap year in one of the world's most picturesque locations. At the south end of South Africa would prove kind to Jones. A family friend hooked him with a job in a school. He signed up to play club rugby with False Bay in 2012, two years later he was playing in the Varsity Cup. Those exploits grabbed the attention of the Western Province. Jones' upward trajectory then saw him playing for the Stormers, rubbing shoulders with Springbok icon Siya Kolisi. It's just over 10,000 kilometres from Edinburgh to Cape Town but Jones' family tree meant he could always represent Scotland and so the call came. The 31-year-old, who had passed every challenge that had come his way, quickly took to international rugby. He enjoyed a stunning strike rate in the early days. He scored twice on his home debut as the Scots were edged out by Australia. Two memorable tries in 2018 secured a historic win over England. Jones though hasn't endured a career without its dips and challenges. He failed to make the squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. His defence was questioned and during Dave Rennie's spell as Glasgow boss Jones was having to try and master the art of fullback having been pushed out of the centres. A change in the coaching box though saw Jones recapture his best form alongside Sione Tuipilotu. That partnership has blossomed and the duo are first choice for Scotland and so the 'Huwipilotu' bromance nickname was born. Jones' try-scoring habit is firmly back. He now ranks as the most prolific Scot who doesn't play on the wing or at fullback. His club exploits have made him a league champion with Glasgow and, despite Jones' wholesome reaction at being selected for the Lions, few were surprised he got the shout. He told the Lions' website: "A lot of it is down to timing and being on form at the right time, and fit at the right time. I feel really thankful to the medical team, to the coaches who have been selecting me for the last couple of seasons that I've got myself into a position to be fit and play well to put myself in that picture. 'It's the pinnacle of rugby for me. I am a rugby fan, I grew up obsessed with rugby. I've been watching the Lions for years and years, those have been my rugby heroes, my whole life. To now be named in that squad, it's such a special moment for me.' Ireland's Garry Ringrose is out of the First Test this weekend with concussion and it has left Jones as the out and out frontrunner to wear No 13 and he's already shown an appetite for tries - crossing the whitewash three times already.
ITV News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Jersey swimmer breaks British Junior Record previously held by Adam Peaty
A swimmer from Jersey has broken a British Junior Record held by Olympic gold medalist Adam Peaty, at the European Junior Championships in Slovakia. Filip Nowacki, 17, completed the Men's 100m Breaststroke in 59.59 seconds, beating Peaty's time of 59.92 seconds. Nowacki now stands as the third fastest 17 & Under 100m breaststroker in history. The teenager, who now trains at Millfield School, spent his age group days under the guidance of Nathan Jegou with the Jersey Tigers Swimming Club. He has also broken the European Junior Record in the 200m breaststroke, clocking a time of 2:09.11 minutes in the semi-final, breaking the record that had been set in the previous race by Turkey's Doruk Yogurtcuoglu, who swam 2:10:63. His time would have placed him in contention for a spot in the Olympic final in Paris 2024, demonstrating Nowacki is performing at an Olympic-calibre. Speaking after the event Nowacki said, "the team speaks for itself, I'm really happy with the outcome there and it's a really strong team so I'm really pleased". The rising star has secured four Gold medals at this years European Junior Championships: Gold in the Men's 200m Breaststroke (breaking the European Junior Record). Gold in the Men's 100m Breaststroke (breaking the British junior record). Gold in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay (contributing to a new Championship and European junior record). Gold in the Men's 4x100m Medley Relay. The teenager won three medals at the British Senior Championships earlier this year.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Record-breaking Nowacki wins three European medals
Jersey swimmer Filip Nowacki has won two gold medals and a silver at the European Junior Swimming Championships in 17-year-old twice broke the European junior record in the 200m breaststroke. Having clocked a time of 2:09.11 in the semi-final he lowered that mark to 2: new record is 1.32 seconds quicker than the previous European 200m junior breaststroke record and was the fifth-fastest time recorded by a British already twice broken the British age group record in the 50m breaststroke as he went on to win a silver, he also added gold in the 100m breaststroke. The Millfield School student, who is part of the Team GB world-class swimming squad, won the final in 59.59 seconds, 0.59 seconds ahead of Greece's Evangelos Efraim medals add to a growing collection for Nowacki as he aims for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He won bronze in the 50m and 100m breaststroke at the British Championships in April. In 2024 he broke the British age-group record for 16-year-olds in the 100m and 200m breaststroke and won a silver medal at the European Junior Championships over the longer came after he became the first Jersey sportsperson to win three Commonwealth Youth Games medals, in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023, before following that up with a silver medal at the European Youth Olympics.
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Boy fighting for life after electrocution with parents 'constantly by his side'
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT A teenager who was rushed to hospital after being shocked by a high voltage cable at Millfield School in Somerset remains in a critical condition The family of a 14-year-old rushed to hospital after being electrocuted by a power cable during a tragic incident at a top private school are "committed to remaining positive" despite his critical condition. Ambulances, an air ambulance, a specialist hazard team, fire engine and police scrambled to Millfield School in Somerset on Saturday May 3. Talented athlete Chase was rushed to hospital alongside two others after they came into contact with the high voltage cable at the school. The 'bright and athletic' teenager remains in hospital where his loved ones predict he will need to stay for at last two more months. He suffered extensive injuries 'affecting his internal organs and with such severe burns that he has had most of his toes amputated'. So far, a GoFundMe page set up on behalf of his family has raised £66,880. On Tuesday, fundraiser organiser Daveene McCallion, a parent at Millfield School with a son who is at the same age as Chase, issued an update on Chase's condition. She told the Mirror: "Chase's mother and father send a huge thank you to the overwhelming number of people who are supporting Chase. The kind words, donations, thoughts and prayers provide encouragement and comfort as he fights to overcome his injuries. "Chase's parents are so rightly proud of their son and we all know that he will get through this. He has tremendous determination and courage. NHS staff continue working to stabilise his condition. "The situation is difficult to navigate for many of us and we are all trying to prioritise what is helpful for Chase and what is not. Our deep gratitude goes to all those who have shown so much care. We will continue to do our best to let you know how he is doing whilst maintaining his dignity and privacy as a young man." Daveene explained that Chase is being looked after by NHS staff at the children's hospital in Bristol and his parents are constantly by his side. "A highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team of plastic surgeons, haematologists, neurologists, counsellors, anaesthetists, doctors, nurses and other specialists are doing all they can for Chase. The NHS staff are outstanding in their care for him. "His condition is constantly changing and there is no guarantee from one day to the next how his body will respond to the various treatments. "Family and friends are committed to remaining positive and hopeful. We all look forward to when he can join his circle of friends, continue his education and enjoy a full, active and successful life." She added that at the moment, Chase is not well enough to receive visitors and his condition is still not stabilised, and asked people not to attend the hospital. "Continue to send prayers, cards etc and we will continue to read them to Chase," Daveene said. "We thank each and every person who is supporting Chase and showing kindness in any capacity. Prayers and thoughts are also with the other boys involved whose families wish for complete privacy." Gavin Horgan, headmaster of the school, wrote to parents to tell them a 'serious incident occurred' In a letter seen by The Sun, he said 'contact with overhead electrical cables' had left the teenagers with 'serious injuries'. He added: "The boys have undergone surgery overnight and are currently in a stable condition. It will be some time before we understand the extent of their injuries and it will be a long road to recovery. All three students have their families or close family friends with them. We are in close contact with the families and they are very grateful for the care that has been afforded to their children." A Millfield spokesperson said: "There is no ongoing danger to others. The entire Millfield community's thoughts and best wishes are with them all. We ask for everyone to respect their privacy and avoid speculation. We are working closely with the authorities to investigate how the accident occurred." A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called by the ambulance service at 7.50pm on Saturday 3 May to support them and the fire service in responding to an incident at Millfield School, near Street. Three people were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Their next of kin have been informed. Following the incident, a referral was made to the Health and Safety Executive who will lead in any investigation." A HSE spokesperson said: "HSE is aware of this incident and has been in contact with Avon and Somerset Police and the School to make initial enquiries."
Metro
10-05-2025
- Health
- Metro
Boy, 14, fighting for his life after being electrocuted at £58k-a-year school
A 'bright' and athletic 14-year-old is fighting for his life after being electrocuted at a top private boarding school. Chase Allen and two other boys were electrocuted by high voltage overhead cables at Millfield School in Street, Somerset. Ambulances, including an air ambulance, a specialist hazard team, police and fire crews rushed to the scene and the pupils were taken to hospital. The school told parents all three underwent surgery and it would be 'some time' before they knew the extent of the injuries. However, a GoFundMe page set up by a parent at the school, said he was 'fighting for his life' after suffering extensive injuries 'affecting his internal organs'. They said the burns were so severe 'most of his toes were amputated' and that his feet may also have to be amputated. 'They remain uncertain whether they will be able to save his feet as the burns have caused critical damage,' the parent added. 'We all pray that no more had to be amputated and we are enormously grateful for everything the NHS is doing. 'Careful fluid therapy is being used for his internal injuries.' They described Chase as 'bright and energetic, with a passion for sports'. 'Known for his determination and athletic skill, he has been an inspiration to his teammates and friends. He has always been positive, healthy and strong,' the parent said. An update from Chase's family was later added. It read: 'Chase has a recovery day today and is resting as much as he can to prepare for his 5th surgery tomorrow. 'We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from the Millfield community and beyond. 'Our boy is a real warrior, a fighter and we are staying positive and praying that he can continue to get better with every hour that passes.' The parent asked for donations to support the family, who live in South Africa and New Zealand, in the weeks and months ahead. More than £60,000 has been raised so far. Millfield School has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive for investigation. In a letter seen by The Sun, headmaster of the £58,000-a-year school, Gavin Horgan, wrote to parents to explain a 'serious incident' had occurred. He said 'contact with overhead electrical cables' had left the the pupils with 'serious injuries' and that they had 'undergone surgery overnight and are currently in a stable condition'. 'It will be some time before we understand the extent of their injuries and it will be a long road to recovery,' he added. Mr Horgan said the students had their family and close family friends with them. More Trending A Millfield spokesperson said in a separate statement that there was no ongoing danger to others and that it was working closely with authorities to investigate how the accident happened. Metro has contacted the school for comment. The school is known for its excellence in sport and has its own Olympic-sized swimming pool, riding school, a fencing 'salle' and squash courts. Former pupils include former Rugby Union England captain Chris Robshaw, Olympic shooter Peter Wilson, singer Lily Allen and the King of Thailand. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: School evacuated after receiving 'bomb threat' MORE: Man who strangled girlfriend on night she planned to leave him jailed for 35 years MORE: More than 100 children fall ill after finding a dead snake in their lunch
