On Monday, Richmond House School had the privilege of welcoming back former pupil and now professional Rugby Union player for Sale Sharks, Obi Ene. The visit was an incredibly inspiring and memorable start to the week for our school community.
Obi began his visit by sharing lunch with our Year 6 pupils, followed by a nostalgic tour of his old school, reconnecting with former teachers and staff along the way.
Years 2 to 6 enjoyed a special assembly led by Headteacher Mrs Young, featuring a captivating Q&A session with Obi. He shared insights into his journey from being a Richmond House pupil to playing professional rugby, while also balancing his studies in business accounting and finance at Newcastle University with spending time with friends and family. Obi spoke about the importance of commitment, hard work, and dedication in achieving success, while emphasising the value of supporting teammates and those around you.
The pupils were eager to ask questions, and it was heartening to see how inspired they were by Obi’s story, particularly his memories of learning and playing rugby on the very same school fields they now use. Obi also shared how instrumental his time at Richmond House was in shaping his journey, expressing gratitude for the incredible teachers who supported him and laid the foundation for his future success.
After the assembly, Obi joined Mr Caygill for an exciting rugby session with Years 3 and 4. He participated in drills, shared tips, and even discussed celebration ideas with our Year 4 pupils, which we hope to see in action soon!
Throughout the day, Obi took the time to sign autographs, answer questions, and chat with pupils and staff, making the visit even more special. He also presented Mrs Young with a signed Sale Sharks shirt, which will be proudly displayed at school as a lasting source of inspiration for our pupils.
Headteacher Mrs Young reflected on the visit, saying: “As a community, we are incredibly proud of Obi, both for his success in rugby and for the kind, hardworking person he has become. He serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance. We are so grateful for the time he gave to inspire our pupils and staff and look forward to cheering him on in his future endeavours.”
Obi commented: “It was a pleasure spending the day back at my primary school. The day was incredibly nostalgic and it was inspiring to see how much the school has evolved over the years while maintaining its core values.
It was a great reminder of the foundational lessons and experiences that shaped me and I truly appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with the community there. It was also great to catch up with former teachers who I still remember 10 years later!
Many thanks to the Heads of School and Year 6 pupils who looked after me throughout the day. I hope my visit was a source of inspiration!
Wishing everyone at Richmond House School continue success.”
Thank you, Obi, for a fantastic and inspiring visit, we hope to welcome you back to Richmond House again soon!
