School welcomes young players to rugby tournament

Fred Wenham says the event is "massive"

A school is getting ready to welcome teams from around Britain to its 39th rugby festival.

St Joseph's College in Ipswich is hosting the National Schools Rugby Festival over the weekend.

The festival will welcome teams of under-15 and under-18 boys from across the country, with thousands expected to turn out to watch.

Fred Wenham, the school's director of sport, said: "It is something we are really proud of and is a great event and something we really celebrate in this community."

The event was started in 1986 to commemorate the private school's golden jubilee, with state and independent schools invited to take part.

About 15 teams are set to join the festival over the weekend

Mr Wenham said between 7,000 and 8,000 people were expected to attend and about 150,000 people set to watch online.

"It is massive and at the college we really foster a development pathway for the children," Mr Wenham said.

The school said several well-known players had been a part of the festival, including former England captain Chris Robshaw.

Ben and Benji, who have been at the school since nursery, were taking part in the festival

Ben, who has been at the school since nursery, said he was "shocked" to be playing at the festival.

"I have been at this school for a very long time and waiting for the opportunity and now I have got it, so it is incredible, really," he said.

"It is the closest level to professional rugby a school-age [player] can play, and it is very tough and very hard; a long two days. It has been a dream of mine for a long time."

Benji, who has returned to play again this year, said: "It is something that is really surreal, being a part of something you have watched your whole life.

"I never really thought it would happen - until you have stepped on the pitch - so it is a great experience, really."