about commando
rugby school

Our vision

Our vision

To provide educational outdoor experiences across the North of England, with the aim of empowering the pupil to develop valuable life skills which are grounded by a blend of military and rugby values, This will be achieved in a fun, challenging yet safe environment.

our mission

To enhance the pupil’s ability to work as part of a team, advance their problem solving skills while improving basic life skills

our goal

To give you hands-on experience in survival skills, teamwork which will equip you to solve problems rationally and logical, build up resilience and aid to overcome hardship.

Meet the team

STEVE WOODBURN

HEAD COACH THORNTON RUFC

Previous to this Steve coached at Fleetwood Rugby Club and Millom Rugby Union in the Lancashire and Cumbria Leagues after he was lured from the other code of Rugby League. His coaching CV for Rugby League extends from Millom RLFC in the National Conference league through to the Four Nations winning England Lionhearts team that he successfully led for three seasons taking them on tour to Malta and Serbia in the process.

Steve-Woodburn

PHIL BRIGGS

ROYAL MARINE

Phil is currently serving as a Mountain Leader in the Royal Marines. He has served seventeen years in the Corps which has sent him around the world including a tour of Iraq and two tours of Afghanistan. His job as Mountain Leader is highly regarded in the military world and has taught him all manner of skills. Experts in rock climbing, reconnaissance, survival and cold weather operations and have operated in some of the most hostile environments on the globe.

Phil_Briggs

DAVID FAIRBROTHER

ROYAL MARINE

Dave is a serving elite Royal Marine Commando for over 15 years. He has served across the world and participated in several operations in various countries. Currently serving as a Corporal, and has proudly received a Combined Forces Commendation for bravery during his service on Op Herrick 9. He holds an array of experiences in various contexts and has trained in the jungle, arctic and desert terrains.

Meet-Dave Fair

KARL ANDERSON

ROYAL MARINE

A serving member of the Royal Marines for over 20 years. After multiple deployments, Karl enrolled on a 17-week Physical Training Instructor (PTI) course. This course was not just physically demanding it was mentally demanding too. On completion of the course, my role as a PTI is to take new recruits and prepare them physically and mentally to fulfil the role as a Royal Marine Commando.

Karl Anderson

DAN Orwin

SPORT & PHYSICAL EDUCATION LECTURER UCLAN

Formerly a secondary school physical education teacher, Dan has a vast range of experience in the delivery of secondary physical education and sport. As a PE teacher, Dan had a track record of delivering consistently 'outstanding' lessons. Dan is a member of the Association for Physical Education. Currently, Dan lectures on the Sport & Physical Education degree, and masters programmes, at the University of Central Lancashire.

Dan_Orwin

about the founder

My name is David Fairbrother, I am a current serving elite Royal Marine Commando and I have been lucky enough to be in the armed forces for over 15 years. I have served across the world and participated in several operations in various countries.

I am currently serving as a Corporal, and received a Combined Forces Commendation for bravery during my service on Op Herrick 9. I have an array of experiences in various contexts and have trained in jungle, arctic and desert terrains.

Whilst I have been in the military, I have been given the opportunity to play rugby to a very high standard. Rugby has been in my blood since I was 4 years old so, upon joining the military at age 20, I also joined the Royal Marines Rugby League team, receiving ‘The Man of Steel’ award for exceptional performance. In 2013, I got scouted for the Royal Navy Rugby Union squad and since then, my rugby career has continued to soar. I received the Cossack Sword for best player, Man of The Match during an annual Army Vs Navy match at Twickenham, and a nomination for Sportsman of the Year in 2016.

Hear what our clients have to say

Blackpool FC Community Trust have used Commando Rugby School for several teambuilding days to engage learners and work on Problem solving and communication. David and his team have always delivered to a high standard and tailor the activities to the needs of the students. Highly recommended , enjoyable and well structured activities.
Blackpool FC Community Trust
Thank you to Dave and his team for running a joint Commando / Rugby camp, The participants loved the mix between rugby and learning commando team skills” “ We look forward to working with Commando Rugby School again soon and growing the first London Irish Commando course.
Mat Heeks
Head of Community
At Larkholme we were delighted to welcome Dave from Commando Rugby School in for many days of outdoor learning sessions. The whole school thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the outdoor sessions and developed a number of skills including team building, resilience and self belief. Dave was fantastic with the children and encouraged them to push their boundaries and to try new things. All of the experiences provided for the children were very well planned and executed and the children received the most incredible learning days. We are very much looking forward to Dave visiting our school again later in the year and would highly recommend booking Commando Rugby School.
Larkholme Primary School

about the founder

My name is David Fairbrother, I am a current serving elite Royal Marine Commando and I have been lucky enough to be in the armed forces for over 15 years. I have served across the world and participated in several operations in various countries.

I am currently serving as a Corporal, and received a Combined Forces Commendation for bravery during my service on Op Herrick 9. I have an array of experiences in various contexts and have trained in jungle, arctic and desert terrains.

Whilst I have been in the military, I have been given the opportunity to play rugby to a very high standard. Rugby has been in my blood since I was 4 years old so, upon joining the military at age 20, I also joined the Royal Marines Rugby League team, receiving ‘The Man of Steel’ award for exceptional performance. In 2013, I got scouted for the Royal Navy Rugby Union squad and since then, my rugby career has continued to soar. I received the Cossack Sword for best player, Man of The Match during an annual Army Vs Navy match at Twickenham, and a nomination for Sportsman of the Year in 2016.

FAQ

Our camps run across the year for children and teenagers of all ages.

Our Mini commando Camps are run for ages 5-9.

Your child will need:

Boots/trainers
Any medication necessary
Waterproof jacket
Packed lunch
Water + re-fillable Bottle
Spare clothes

Your child won’t need:

Sports equipment – we’ve got plenty!
Money
Valuables

Whilst rugby skills are the heart of the camp, the military training exercises we do will focus on team building and survival skills. These activities help with children’s emotional and social development as well as teaching them other fun ways to exercise.

get in touch

If you would like to learn more we would love to hear from you. Please contact us using the details below or using our contact form and we will endeavour to get back in touch as soon as we can.

Telephone

07943063122

Email

commandorugbyschool@gmail.com

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