The Rob Kift Sports Bursary Dinner brought together more than 140 guests for a landmark black-tie evening, raising over £20,000 on the night alone. When combined with the extraordinary generosity of donors who made additional pledges, the campaign has now reached a total of £48,000 — a testament to the enduring affection the Hurst community holds for Rob Kift and the values he has brought to the College throughout his career.

• 200 Guests joined us for the evening
• £20k+ Raised on the night through auction and pledges
• £48,000 Total raised including additional gifts

The evening was more than a fundraiser — it was a reunion, a celebration, and a love letter to Hurst rugby. This year marks the centenary of rugby at the College, and there could be no more fitting figure at the heart of the occasion than Rob Kift, whose decades of dedicated service as a coach, teacher, and mentor continue to shape the lives of countless young people at Hurst and beyond.

Just under 40 Years in the Making

Rob Kift joined Hurst in 1990 and across nearly four decades has coached rugby with a commitment, passion, and humanity that has left an indelible mark on the sport here. He has coached teams at every level, given up countless weekends, and built the kind of relationships with players that extend far beyond the final whistle. For many alumni, Rob is the person who taught them not just how to play rugby, but how to carry themselves — with resilience, respect, and a competitive spirit that never tipped into arrogance.

"Rob didn't just coach rugby. He coached people. He knew exactly what you needed — whether that was a push, a kind word, or simply someone who believed in you."— A former Hurst pupil and dinner guest

Stories flowed throughout the evening, from former pupils sharing memories that spanned decades, to colleagues who spoke with deep affection about a man whose influence on Hurst sport is immeasurable. The occasion was not only a celebration of everything Rob has given to this place but a recognition that the values he champions — access, ambition, and the transformative power of sport — remain at the heart of what the Hurst Foundation is working to protect and extend.

The Kift Club and the Fund

The Rob Kift Sports Bursary Fund exists to ensure that financial circumstance is never the reason a talented young person misses out on a Hurst education and the opportunities in sport that come with it. Every pound raised through this dinner, through the auction, and through the generous pledges made by donors will go directly towards fully-funded sports bursary places — giving the next generation of Rob's players the chance to thrive.

Guests were also introduced to the Kift Club, a new community of supporters who share a commitment to sustaining the fund over the long term. The response was overwhelming, with many guests signing up on the evening itself. If you would like to join the Kift Club and receive updates on the difference your support is making, we would love to hear from you!

Looking Ahead

The Foundation is deeply grateful to everyone who attended, bid at the auction, made a pledge, or gave in the days following the dinner. The total of £48,000 represents not just a financial milestone, but a profound expression of community — of what it means to be part of Hurst, past and present.

As we mark one hundred years of rugby at the College, it feels entirely right that the next chapter begins here: with a community that knows what Rob brings to this place, and want to make sure that spirit endues.