THE headmaster at Wellington School has denied the school is turning its back on competitive sport in favour of classes in zumba, mindfulness and yoga.

Henry Price said in a letter to parents that the claims made in an article in the Sunday Times at the weekend were wrong.

He said: “For those many parents that have shivered on the rugby and hockey touchline with me yesterday – and throughout the various seasons – you will also realise that the editorial, with the catchy title ‘Bugger Rugger’, is of course completely incorrect.

“In fact, what the school is doing is leading the way in increasing the range of exercise options open to all our current pupils, while still training and offering competitive sports for those who have the passion and skill to play rugby, netball, hockey, cricket, tennis and athletics – among other sports – at the highest level.

“Many of our parents and Old Wellingtonians have commented very positively on this development, in blogs, on Facebook and indeed in the Sunday Times article itself.”

Mr Price said former students would have the chance to see the school’s top hockey and rugby teams play at home against Queen’s and Sherborne this weekend, when the Old Wellingtonians Association reunion is held.

Many of the school’s best rugby players play for clubs and head boy Ben Howe has just been picked to play for the Belgian under-18 team, he added. Other students excelled at individual pursuits like judo, cycling and shooting, and former students play hockey for top clubs at local and national level.