Every young rugby player dreams of appearing on the Twickenham turf and at each international a lucky few see that dream come true. At the England v France game it was players from four North East clubs who demonstrated their skills before forming a guard of honour as the teams ran onto the pitch.

Hartlepool Rovers, who were recently awarded a Single Regeneration Budget grant to help their clubhouse renovations, were ably represented, as were Billingham RFC who secured lottery funding through Sport England for a new clubhouse and pitch improvements and who work closely with Stockton Sports Development team and help with the local Sportsability club. Guisborough RFC and Middlesborough RFC, both with very vibrant youth sections, impressed with their tag rugby too and all were commended for their excellent behaviour (see Readers Letters).

Philip Harvey, Teesside RDO, who organized the day said, “They all had a fabulous time and their play and general demeanour reflected very well on their clubs and families. They are a great bunch. These clubs were representative of the whole of Teesside where youth rugby is making great strides.”