The Rod’s Redboy Fund, founded in 2023 by Rodney Makin (1957), has made a vital contribution to the St John’s College Rugby Club.
As an endowed fund, it will be there to support the club in perpetuity. So far it has been used to support events such as a playing tour to Lisbon, as well as enabling students from a wide range of backgrounds to participate, and has helped to maintain the club’s identity.
Matthew West, co-President of the Redboys Men’s Rugby Team, came up to St John’s in 2019 and has just completed his final year in College studying Medicine. Matt shared insights on the significance of the Rod’s Redboy Fund for the team and its future.
“Rod’s generous donation to the St John’s Rugby Team (aka the “Redboys”) has had a huge impact on the club. At a time when college rugby is seeing declining participation and many teams have had to merge, St John’s proudly remains the only college still competing independently. This is thanks to the Redboys’ unique identity and strong sense of community, both on and off the field. The fund has helped preserve that culture, enabling participation for those from disadvantaged backgrounds and attracting new players.
“The highlight of the year was the long-awaited return of a playing tour. In February, we travelled to Lisbon for a packed weekend of rugby and team bonding. After landing, we dropped our bags at the hostel and blew off the cobwebs with a training session, followed by a sunset cruise along the river. The next day brought team-building through coasteering and a beach BBQ, and later, a night of karaoke and dancing in the lively Bairro Alto district.
“On Sunday, we travelled an hour outside the city to play local side Vila de Moita. Despite some sore heads and a slow start, we rallied in the second half to edge a narrow win in a high-scoring match. Their post-game hospitality, helped by a seemingly limitless supply of refreshments, was a real highlight. The tour was pivotal in building friendships across year groups, and none of it would have been possible without the fund’s support.
“Back home, this season culminated on a high with a 31–19 win over a strong St Catharine’s–Homerton side in the Cuppers final, bringing the trophy home for the 36th time. It was a fitting close to a campaign, and for me the end of six unforgettable years as a Redboy. Looking ahead, the support of the Rod’s Redboy Fund will be crucial in funding future tours, purchasing our new kit for next season, and making both rugby and social events more accessible, all vital to ensuring Redboy life remains as full and memorable for future generations as it has been for me.”
The enduring spirit and sense of camaraderie of the Redboys resonates not only with the current generation of College rugby players, but also with those who were part of the club’s legacy decades ago. This intergenerational experience is eloquently reflected in the words of Rodney Makin, sponsor of Rod’s Redboys Fund and member of the Beaufort Society. His own memories and achievements as a St John’s rugby player underscore the reason for his generous support of the Redboys team.
He said; “It was good to hear that the Redboys won Cuppers this year. When I was at the College (1957-60) we also won Cuppers in my first two seasons before I won a Blue in my last season (1959). That was 68 years ago and I continued with rugby as a part time sport for a few years later.
“A notable memory was when playing against Christ’s College in the first round of the Cuppers when they had a team including three internationals. We had one international (Philip Horrocks Taylor). In spite of the odds, we won a very tight game and went on to win the Cup.
“There is no doubt that the benefits of physical and social activity are important in life and rugby is an exercise that provides them. Through rugby I have some happy memories and made many friends in many aspects of life and in many parts of the world.
“I am glad the Redboy Fund is helping the College team and am pleased they enjoyed their trip to Lisbon.”
Sport is a vibrant part of student life at St John’s, offering a way to build community, resilience, and leadership alongside their academic studies. Whether it’s the camaraderie of the rugby pitch or tradition of rowing on the Cam, these activities enrich the student experience and foster a strong sense of Johnian pride.
You can read more stories of the impact of philanthropy on all areas of College life and find out more our current fundraising priorities on the Johnian website.
Otherwise, if you are interested in leaving a legacy to St John’s and joining the Beaufort Society, please email Emma Talibudeen or ring her on 01223 338605 to find out more.