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Barney’s historic sporting legacy celebrated further as Pepper brothers face off in the Gallagher Premiership 

Our historic sporting legacy is set to be celebrated when two of our decorated alumni take to the rugby field this weekend.  

Brothers Max (Dale ‘19) and Guy Pepper (Dale ‘21) will face off against one another when Bath Rugby host Newcastle Falcons – Max for Newcastle and Guy for Bath – in what could be the first Gallagher Premiership head-to-head between the siblings and former students.  

The fixture is another proud moment in our rich sporting history, further validating our extraordinary legacy in developing elite-level rugby talent, affectionately referred to as ‘Old Barnardians’ within the school’s community.  

Barney has remarkably produced four sets of brothers who have gone on to represent top-tier English clubs: Rory (Teesdale/York ‘81) and Tony Underwood (Tees ’87), Karl (York ‘00) and Lee Dickson (North ’03), Mathew (Tees ’04)  and Alex Tait (Tees, 06), and now Max and Guy Pepper. 

From the jet-heeled brilliance of Rory and Tony Underwood to the sharp-witted dynamism of Karl and Lee Dickson, the explosive flair of Mathew and Alex Tait, and now the raw power and promise of Max and Guy Pepper, Barney has become synonymous with producing sporting excellence. 

This weekend’s fixture, where Guy’s Bath side will host Max’s Newcastle Falcons, represents a sibling rivalry years in the making, rooted in shared ambition and Northern brotherly grit. However, it isn’t just the athletic pedigree, but the balance the dynamic young players strike off the pitch. The Peppers have both earned degrees from Durham University, embodying the School’s core ethos of education, character and community. 

That same ethos runs through the lives of the three other sets of Old Barnardians. Mathew Tait, who earned 36 England caps, is now shaping global rugby as the General Manager of Emirates Dubai 7s & Stadia. Alex, a club stalwart with 269 appearances for the Falcons, has transitioned into a successful career in Wealth Management. 

Karl Dickson, following 169 appearances for Harlequins, has now carved out a new legacy as an international referee, while Lee, after earning 18 England caps, has returned full circle as Barney’s Master i/c Rugby. 

Rory Underwood, England’s all-time leading try scorer and former RAF fighter pilot, is now a leading business strategist through his company, Wingman Ltd, while his brother Tony, who also donned the Red Rose jersey with distinction, transitioned to a career as an Airbus A380 captain for Emirates.  He is now the CCE of Believe Solutions and Ambassador for Newcastle Rugby Foundation.  

Martin Pepper, Second Master and father of Max and Guy, said: “These Old Barnardians’ legacies are not just celebrated at Barney they’re built upon, season after season. 

“We thrive on our sense of community at Barney. It is not just about our continued production of elite rugby players it’s about every individual feeling they are part of something special and can aspire to be who and what they want to be. Learning to be a game changer at Barney isn’t theoretical. It’s lived. It’s developed on the pitch, in the classroom, in chapel, and in the boarding houses. 

“Whether it’s a Prefect stepping up for a younger pupil, or a team captain rallying their squad every child learns what it means to be responsible, to care, and to lead with conviction.” 

Lee Dickson, Master i/c Rugby at Barnard Castle School, added: “I was determined that my children experienced a similar education to me. 

“I loved my time at Barney, and I wanted them to be provided the opportunities I was given. That sense of continuity is what sets Barney apart. It’s not just a school, it’s a home and a place where pupils are supported to strive, lead, and grow through sport, yes, but equally through music, the arts, and leadership opportunities that shape the whole person.” 

To learn more about our sport offering, you can register for one of our Open Events here: Open Events – Barnard Castle School