A WINCHESTER sixth form college has been chosen as a regional base for an academy of rugby excellence.

Peter Symonds College has been selected as one of the UK homes of the England Player Development Centre with the support of premiership club London Irish. The club is one of 12 that will provide the academies for players of outstanding talent in their region and who will ultimately play at the very highest level.

The lads will have individual training in skills, weights and conditioning as well as attention from top coaches. As a result of the college working in partnership with the premiership club, the students at Peter Symonds will benefit from the new initiative.

They will enjoy opportunities to receive coaching from premiership staff and watch professional players train.