MEMBERS of a high-flying school rugby team will be living out every player's dream when they run out on to the hallowed turf of Twickenham later this month.

Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, has won through to the final of the Daily Mail Cup after a sparkling season in which they remain unbeaten after 19 games.

The squad, which includes members of England's under 16 and 18 teams, has beaten eight teams from around the country to reach the final, which will be against last year's winners, Oakham School, near Leicester, on Saturday, March 29.

The competition attracts some of the best school teams in England and Barnard Castle had to topple the likes of St Peter's School, York, and Manchester Grammar School to make it through to the final.

Their success, which also follows an unbeaten tour of Argentina and Chile last summer, has surpassed the hopes of their coach, Martin Pepper.

Mr Pepper, who teaches physical education and geography, said: "I think all the staff who have worked with the players throughout the school and over the years deserve recognition, but the players put in a lot of hard work as well.

"Although we will certainly be underdogs for the final, we are a very difficult side to beat and we'll give it our best shot - and maybe we can cause an upset and bring back the cup."

The players will practice at the Harlequins' training ground before the match and will also be given a tour of Twickenham before the final.