Daily Mail RBS Schools Competitions
The Daily Mail RBS Schools Competition is the premier tournament in schools rugby, where school teams compete regionally and then nationally for the chance to play at Twickenham and clinch the coveted trophy.
Some 1000 teams take part each year across the country at Under 15 and Under 18 level. All schools that enter play for a main cup and there is also a vase for teams knocked out in the early rounds, also culminating in a Twickenham final.
The Under 15 Vase was revamped in 2010/11 to include a "Pool" system which enables developing schools to play more often through the creation of a mini fixture list. This revised structure is designed to assist those teams from local and emerging schools programmes, as it pits them against more realistic opposition but still gives sides the chance of making it to Twickenham.
The stars of tomorrow
Current England fly half Owen Farrell, now back in action with Saracens after helping his nation secure four out of five wins and to become runners up in the RBS 6 Nations, made his presence felt in the Daily RBS Schools competition with St George’s, Harpenden.
Farrell, who made his first team debut for Sarries at just 17 years old, played a pivotal role in his school’s journey to the fifth round of the U18 Cup in 2008 with victory over Hertfordshire rivals Richard Hale.
Calum Clark who captained England U20s through to the final of the 2009 IRB Junior World Championship in Japan in 2009, is listed amongst the Underwood brothers Rory and Tony, Rob Andrew and Matthew Tait as a leading Barnard Castle player.
The 22-year-old flanker, who was included in Stuart Lancaster’s RBS 6 Nations squad, featured in the 2007 Daily Mail RBS U18 Cup final, when his team lost by an agonising 23-24 to Warwick School
RFU President Willie Wildash said: “This competition has played a pivotal role in schools rugby since 1988, offering schools the opportunity to play meaningful, competitive rugby at a level appropriate for them. There is recognition and reward through the Vase and Cup structure, with lifting the trophy at Twickenham in front of school friends, teachers and parents the ultimate prize.
"Professional rugby players often give winning at Twickenham in the Under 15s or Under 18s competition as one of their best rugby memories and many more are still involved at grassroots level thanks to the the huge enjoyment it brought.”
Peter Johnson, President of the England Rugby Football Schools Union, added: “The Daily Mail RBS Schools competition has become a major occasion in the rugby calendar and, as ever, we owe our thanks to our sponsors for their loyal and enthusiastic support of this excellent competition. Rugby Football is one of many extra-curricular activities which are so important in enhancing the confidence and self-esteem of individuals and which help to produce round young adults capable of working in a team. “
For your chance to follow in the footsteps of Care and Haskell, click here to download an entry form.
Tournament information
To keep up to date with news from across the competition, including monthly round-ups, visit the dedicated grassroots news section.
For all the information on the Daily Mail RBS Schools Competition, including eligibility information, the cup draw and round dates, please visit the Daily Mail RBS Schools Information page.
