FIVE Sedbergh School rugby players returned to school with international caps this term, after a successful season on the school rugby circuit.

Max Davies, 18, from Kirkby Lonsdale, and Sam Moore, 17, from Southport, were capped for England Under 18s.

Charlie Gowling, 18, from Kirkby Lonsdale, turned out for Scotland Under 18, and James Botham, 18, from North Yorkshire, for Wales Under 18.

Bevan Rodd, from the Isle of Man, was also selected for the England Under 16 squad.

Davies, 1st XV vice-captain, said: “Representing England was a great end to the season – Sedbergh won some big games, beating Millfield and Wellington College, and there has been an excellent air of competition and support amongst the boys, with day-in, day-out training and improvement in performance.

"Around 80 per cent of the 1st XV squad will leave Sedbergh this year and so we wish the boys coming through from the younger years all the best – they will do us proud.

"Over the last few years, we’ve seen the team become highly skilled and more about fitness, skill and speed – with players who can play the full 80 minutes. This has undoubtedly helped us in getting international recognition and opportunities to play for our country.”

Simon Mulholland, director of Rugby at Sedbergh School, said: "I could not be prouder of this year’s group of rugby internationals.

"At Sedbergh we pride ourselves on giving our pupils the best platform to ultimately go on to reach their potential in both academics and on the sporting field.

"It is very rewarding to see that these young men have been recognised individually for their strong and consistent performances throughout the rugby season.

"For the U18 internationals and U6th form leavers this is an incredible way to finish their school career.

"They have all been brilliant role models to our younger rugby players in the school. There is no doubt that they have left our famous Brown jersey in a better place."