Back in 1990, the 902nd edition of the Hurst Johnian school magazine welcomed under its New Faces section a certain:

"Robert Kift, a fit young man if ever there was one, which is encouraging since he has come here as number two to Andy Cushing of P.E. Department fame. Though dedicated to so many sports — rugby, football, and surfing, he lists his main interests as music and socialising, which explains why he is such a popular chap in the Masters Common Room already."

And here is the accompanying photo

Fast forward to today, and Rob is Hurst's long-standing Director of Sport, having also taken up the mantles of Housemaster of Chevron, Head of Swimming, President of the Common Room, and many others besides, over the years since 1990.

His is a name synonymous with Hurst Rugby, known to decades of Hurst pupils and their parents. Whether on the Rugby pitch or in the classroom Rob has been the face of College Sport, inspiring our pupils to sporting excellence. He has been a massive supporter of Foundation and can be seen here with young OJs at our recent London Engage bursary event.

This coming year, Rob will be standing down from his Director of Sport role, though he will not be hanging up his sports kit just yet. From September his will be our Director of Sporting Partnerships, a leading ambassador to promote the profile and reputation of Hurst Sport as a beacon of excellence in the southeast of England and ensuring Hurst is the destination of choice for sporting families across the region.

Whilst the matches and black tie dinner on 19 November, at Richmond Athletic Ground are a celebration of Hurst's 100 Years of Rugby, it will also be a moment for us all to say a big thank you to Rob for his amazing leadership of Sport over the past years - and to have a glass of beer with him as well, no doubt! 

Please follow the links to sign up to the matches, lunch or dinner events on the 19 November.