A team of pupils from Norman Court Preparatory School, West Tytherley, were thrilled to meet former England Rugby Union coach Sir Clive Woodward OBE after finishing U11 runners-up at the country's leading schools' rugby tournament.

More than 3,000 spectators, including Sir Clive, braved icy blasts to watch the up-and-coming players of tomorrow battling it out in Sunday's 2005 Sport Abroad National Schools Rugby Tournament, in association with Allied Irish Bank (GB) and supported by Edenbrook and Commercial Grounds Care, held at Epsom College, Epsom.

A total of 25 schools involving 500 children in 40 teams took part in the tournament, acknowledged as the premier rugby event in the Prep Schools' sporting calendar.

Youngsters travelled from as far afield as Yorkshire and Devon to compete for the coveted trophies and were delighted to be able to get some top tips from Sir Clive - as well as his autograph!

Norman Court's U11 team narrowly lost out 7-0 to a team from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Junior School, Wakefield, in a closely-fought final.

Event founder Tim Button said: "This was perhaps the highest standard competition we have seen in the past 11 years, resulting in four different schools winning the main four prizes.

"The boys were thrilled to be presented with their trophies by Sir Clive Woodward, who has to be one of rugby's most inspirational characters."

Stephen Borthwick, Headmaster of Epsom College, said: "We were honoured and delighted to be invited to host both the Regional Festival and the National Finals of the

Sport Abroad National Schools Rugby Tournament and to welcome pupils from all over the country to Epsom."

The Sport Abroad National Schools Rugby Tournament was founded 11 years ago and has seen a steady growth in popularity every year. Organisers include former England and British Lions player Roger Uttley MA OBE.

Full details of the tournament, together with the results, can be found on the official website - www.nsrt.org.uk.