TOP rugby union scouts will be in Ipswich this weekend for the 15th annual national schools rugby festival being held at St Joseph's College.The event, sponsored this year by BTexact Technologies, Adastral Park features 13 previous visiting schools teams from across England and Wales plus Ivybridge College, Devon and St Edwards School, Oxford.

By Elvin King

TOP rugby union scouts will be in Ipswich this weekend for the 15th annual national schools rugby festival being held at St Joseph's College.

The event, sponsored this year by BTexact Technologies, Adastral Park features 13 previous visiting schools teams from across England and Wales plus Ivybridge College, Devon and St Edwards School, Oxford.

Some of the best young rugby talent in the country will be on view with Blackrock College of Dublin flying in to defend the De La Salle Trophy they won last year.

The festival was established by former St Joseph's headmaster John Regan and the main trophy and plate will be presented by Jed Glynn, manager of the England A side.

Many players who have gone on to successful careers in the game, including national and international success, first shone at the St Joseph's Festival.

The St Joseph's College team have been presented with their rugby shirts by former England and British Lions legend Martin Bayfield.

Bayfield, capped 31 times, told the players at a school assembly: "The most important thing is to enjoy your sport and seize the opportunities that come your way. You never know where it will take you.

"I've been involved in coaching and the enthusiasm and honesty among the kids never ceases to amaze me. And remember, the friendships you make in sport last you a life-time."

Last year more than 3,000 people turned up to admire the skills of the young players and many families came to the area for the two days of competition.

Tomorrow there will be competition in four pools of four with the top two going into the main competition on Sunday and the remaining two playing for the plate.

Each team plays three times on the first day and a minimum of three games on Sunday.

St Joseph's captain James Dunne, who played in 2000 and has represented England at U16 level and plays for London Wasps, said: "I am sure the boys will all give 100 per cent. We are really looking forward to it."

Teams competing this year: Abingdon School, Blackrock College, Dublin, Bradford Modern School, Brighton College, Colston's Collegiate, Campion School, Millfield School, Monmouth School, Pangbourne College, QEGS Wakefield, RGS High Wycombe, Sedbergh School, St Peter's High School, Gloucester, Ivybridge College, St Edwards School, St Joseph's College.

Following last year's spectacular appearance by the Red Devils, the parachute team will again drop in to St Joseph's to deliver the festival trophy.