For the first time in more than seven decades, two Old Cranleighans are holding down regular places for the same top-flight rugby union side. Seb Stegmann and Sam Smith, who have both represented England at Under-20 level, are playing on either wing for Harlequins who, at the time of writing, are top of the Aviva Premiership.
Stegmann, who made his Harlequins debut in 2007-08, has been sidelined by injury and missed two season before he regained his place in the team’s starting XV at the start of October. Smith, whose debut was in 2009-10, has featured in the side since the start of the season.
In the clash against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road in early October, both players scored tries within two minutes of each other in Harlequins 27-18 victory. A fortnight later Stegmann scored three tries in the Quins LV Cup win at Sale.
“It’s incredibly pleasing to see two former pupils fulfilling their goals and playing top flight rugby,” Andrew Houston, the Director of Rugby at Cranleigh, said. “It serves as a great example for all the players at School that with hard work and dedication, they too can achieve great things”.