HUNDREDS of young rugby players descended on a North-East school at the weekend to compete in a tournament named after two international old boys.

Barnard Castle School hosted the fifth annual Tait 10s rugby festival named after Newcastle Falcons full-back Alex Tait and his older brother Mathew.

At 23, Sale Sharks centre Mathew already has 31 international caps and is a member of the current England elite squad. Alex, 21, played in the Under 20s World Cup in Wales.

They are among 20 former Barnard Castle former pupils who have represented their country in the last eight years.

On Sunday 20 under-12s teams from independent and state schools across County Durham, Northumberland, Cleveland, Yorkshire and Cumbria battled it out in a day long event before the champions Queen Elizabeth Grammar, of Wakefield, were presented with their trophies by Alex Tait.

The Plate was awarded to Woodhouse Grove School while the Shield went to RGS Newcastle and the Bowl to Yarm School.

George Cockford, of Bradford, was player of the tournament.

• Guisborough Rugby Clubs Under 14s are looking for new players. For further details contact Debbie Calgie on 01642 866866 or email enquiries@atpr.co.uk