FUTURE stars of international rugby will take to the field where the game began nearly 200 years ago at a tournament next week.
School teams from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Canada, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England have been invited to play on Rugby School’s hallowed Close for the International Schools Sevens Tournament.
The tournament, one of the biggest ever of its kind, is being held as part of the school’s 450th anniversary celebrations – and will showcase some of the best U18 players the countries have to offer.
Rugby greats Martin Johnson and Jason Leonard, along with players from premiership team Wasps, will also be at the event where they will meet and greet the gathered audience.
An opening ceremony at 10am on March 24 will see all the teams parade on to the Close, led by Rugby School’s CCF band, before being welcomed by Mr Leonard and the Head Master, Peter Green.
Matches will start at 11am, finishing at 4.30pm with the second day beginning at 11am and ending at 2pm.
Rugby School will be live streaming all games via its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RugbySchool1567 – with World Rugby joining in to stream the final match.
Open to the public, tickets for the two-day tournament (March 24 and 25) are £5 with free entry for children under 16. Visit www.rugbyschool.co.uk/450th to book.
