TEENAGE rugby stars Matthew Tate and James Hamer could be gracing the hallowed turf of Twickenham with the best players in the world in years to come.

The two Barnard Castle School pupils have already represented their country at under-16 and under-18 level, and both have been earmarked as stars for the future.

Matthew, 16, from Wolsingham, County Durham, is also in line for an even bigger accolade after being put forward as rugby's candidate in the Young Sports Personality of the Year awards.

The award ceremony will be held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, on Monday, and Matthew will be awarded a trophy from the Duke of York for being named Rugby Writers' Young Player of the Season.

Matthew, who plays at outside-centre, has already played for England under-16s against Wales, on two occasions, and against Italy, scoring a try in each game.

His Barnard Castle School Rugby XV team-mate James, 17, recently played his first under-18s international for England against Scotland.

Although the 17-year-old winger, from Middlesbrough, did not manage to score a try, the school's rugby coach, Martin Pepper, said he played a solid game.

Mr Pepper said: "The school is immensely proud of the boys, and their achievements are a reward for the hard work they have put in to improving their game."