Manchester school rugby team plays at Twickenham!

Pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, Manchester, were given the honour of playing rugby at Twickenham Stadium in a curtain-raiser to the England vs South Africa QBE International.

The pupils played on the pitch before England and South Africa in a curtain-raiser to showcase the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) ‘All Schools’ programme. Saint Paul’s is part of the All Schools initiative, which has Prince Harry as its patron. The All Schools programme is part of the RFU’s Lead Up and Legacy strategy for next year’s Rugby World Cup. Saint Paul’s is in year two of the All Schools programme and rugby is now being coached within year groups.

Mr Darren Mawn, PE teacher and Year 8 Progress Leader, at Saint Paul’s said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils that will only happen once in a lifetime. The pupils were able to showcase their rugby skills in front of an 82,000 strong crowd who were gathering for the game. To be on the pitch in touching distance of professional Rugby players performing the Guard of Honour and to sing the national anthem is an experience all involved will never forget. A dream come true for all the pupils!”

“Not only was it a real honour to play at Twickenham but to get a taste and a feel for international rugby was a great opportunity and inspiration for the Saint Paul’s rugby team,” said Head Teacher, Mrs Fiona Minshall. “We were overawed when we heard that we had been selected for this honour; it was a once in a lifetime experience. The pupils loved every minute of it; they felt extremely proud as they formed the Guard of Honour.”

More information about Saint Paul’s Catholic High School can be found at www.st-paulshigh.net

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