8 Dec 2025
A match to mark John Green's retirement.
A match to mark John Green's retirement.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new and treasured tradition at Seaford College: the inaugural John Green Trophy, an annual invitational fixture played at the heart of our South Downs estate on the iconic Oval.
Join us tomorrow at Seaford College Oval at 2pm or watch the match live on NextGenXV. Please follow the link for the live stream
https://www.youtube.com/live/PtltElyNjhk?si=U0zO1QLKUoo-QFcF
Please follow the link for the match preview from NextGenXV - https://nextgenxv.com/2025/12/07/preview-the-john-green-trophy-seaford-college-v-northampton-school-for-boys-live-rugby/
John is heading off to enjoy his retirement after 15 fabulous years leading Seaford and this is one of many celebrations we have planned to see him off in true Seaford style!
Christian Head, Director of Sport, said: “As we welcome Northampton School for Boys for this historic first meeting, we also pause to reflect on the man whose name will forever be associated with this occasion. Mr John Green, our Headmaster, leader, mentor, and twice Head of Rugby, whose influence on Seaford Sport will endure for generations.
This trophy is far more than silverware. It is a living tribute to a man whose life has been shaped, and defined, by the values of rugby: courage, humility, resilience, respect, and an unwavering commitment to team. These are the very qualities we seek to honour on the field tomorrow and in the years to come.
Long before leading Seaford, John’s rugby journey was already the stuff of inspiration. Proudly a Campion School student, he came under the guidance of his mentor, the great Welsh coach John Davies, who ignited in him a lifelong love of the game. Campion’s pioneering tours to Australia in the early 1980s helped set the stage for John’s own ascent through the representative ranks.
• John’s playing career reads like a road map through English rugby excellence of that time:
• England U16, U18, U23
• Captain of Combined England Students, including the first Students’ World Cup in France, 1988
• Two years captaining the Cardiff Met University 1st XV
• Three seasons with the Irish Exiles in the Interprovincial Championship
• Welsh club rugby with Neath and Newbridge
Five proud years at Saracens, including in the early professional era, sharing a back row with Richard Hill and Tony Diprose, and taking the field alongside icons such as Michael Lynagh, Philippe Sella, Kyran Bracken and François Pienaar
Following his playing years, John shaped the future of the sport through coaching, particularly during his time at the Harlequins Academy and later as an inspirational 1st XV coach in various schools. His influence can still be found on our pitches today, from the now-famous “Greeno Split” lineout option to his trademark encouragement: “Keep on, keeping on.”
As Headmaster, John has been as present on the touchline as he has been in the office. Rain, wind, or late November chill—John has been there, championing the role of school sport in developing character, community and confidence. His belief that every student should feel the joy and belonging of sport has helped shape Seaford’s identity, ethos, and spirit.
His partnership with his wife, Sian, and the contributions of their children have woven the Green family deeply into the fabric of Seaford College. Their warmth, generosity and wholehearted embrace of Seaford life have left a legacy we will continue to honour with immense gratitude.
The John Green Trophy will become an annual celebration of everything John has championed in school sport:
This match is both a tribute and a promise. A tribute to a transformative Headmaster and lifelong servant of rugby, and a promise that the Seaford spirit he nurtured here will continue to grow, year after year.
On behalf of Seaford College, our players, our staff, our families and our wider community: thank you. Your leadership has shaped our school. Your wisdom has shaped our students. Your passion for sport has enriched us all.
As we kick off the first ever John Green Trophy, we do so with pride, gratitude and the knowledge that today marks the beginning of a tradition worthy of the man whose name it carries."