Rugby: Dozens of the top young rugby players from across the UK and Ireland will be converging on Ipswich this weekend for the St Joseph's College rugby festival.

Dozens of the top young rugby players from across the UK and Ireland will be converging on Ipswich this weekend for the St Joseph's College rugby festival.

Since it began in 1987, the annual festival has grown in importance and prestige and is now a must for international selectors wanting to see how teenagers perform, in real games, and under the

pressure of a weekend tournament.

Hosts St Joseph's are not among the larger rugby-playing schools involved and have only won the main trophy once themselves, back in 1995.

And the draw has given them a tough group meeting Brighton College in their first game tomorrow morning and going on to face Blackrock College, Dublin the 2000 winners and RGS High Wycombe who won the trophy in 1999. They and are always among the strongest teams taking part.

The trophy was won by Colston's Collegiate School, Bristol, last year and they are back defending their title which was won in a tremendous final against Blackrock College.

The last couple of years have been a tremendous test of stamina as well as skills for the young players as they have been played in very heavy, wet conditions.

The quality of play on view is likely to attract friends, families and rugby fans from across a wide area aiming to try and spot some of the future international stars of tomorrow.

The festival is sponsored by BTexact Technologies and spectators are welcome both days.