Try time: Junior Kings score against Surbiton Prep in the U10 competition on their way to qualifying for the Finals on March 6th

Young rugby players show their talent

Over 1,000 young rugby players from local Prep Schools took part in the South East Regional Festival of the 16^th National Schools Rugby Tournament (NSRT) held at the College on Sunday.

Despite the cold, blustery conditions, spectators were treated to a high-class display of running rugby, enthusiasm and commitment from teams in U9, U10 and U11 age groups.

In what is becoming something of a tradition, most of the schools taking part pitched their own tents around the campus to store their teams' belongings and give the players some shelter from the weather between matches.

College sports masters, Old Epsomians and other volunteers from local rugby clubs were on hand to referee the 165 matches that took place on the day.

Over 80 schools across the country are taking part in this year's NSRT, which is the largest event of its kind in the UK. Players aged 7-13 have been competing at regional festivals in the South East, South West, North and Midlands to qualify for the National Finals, which will be held at Epsom College for the tenth year running on March 6th.

Many of the youngsters who have participated in this competition have gone on to play rugby for England, Wales and Scotland at U16, U18, U19 and U20 levels.

"We are delighted once again to be part of this national tournament, which does much to support grass roots rugby in this country and gives young players the opportunity to show their talent in a competitive, but friendly environment," said Headmaster Stephen Borthwick, who spent the day watching the rugby and talking to parents.

For details of the qualifiers from all the regional festivals click here