Sedbergh rugby players returned to school with news of their selection for U16 Premiership Academy rugby clubs Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons.

Five of these boys, all current Year 11 pupils playing for the A1 SSFC team, were on the winning side at the Natwest Championship cup final at Twickenham earlier this year.

They are Taran Stuart (P), from Bishop Auckland; Tom Russell (W), from Kilnsey, North Yorkshire; Ben Patchett (S) from Hawkswick, North Yorkshire; Michele Brighetti (E) from Kenya; and Harry Hill (S) from Thirsk.

Taran plays Second Row No 4, Tom is a Blindside Flanker, Michele is Scrum Half or Inside Centre, and Ben plays Front Row No 3. Harry plays No 8, Carwyn plays No 6 or 8, Fraser plays in the midfield andWill plays flyhalf.

Simon Mulholland, Director of Rugby and SSFC Head Coach, said: “We are immensely proud of these boys. They are all excellent role models for younger players and show commitment and pride in themselves, and in wearing the Sedbergh brown shirt.

"To have played so well at Twickenham was such an important moment for them all and we look forward to seeing them progress further through the ranks at these two prestigious premiership clubs.

"They have the opportunity to potentially follow in the footsteps of Max Davies (OS, E) and Ali Crossdale (OS, P), who both signed full Academy contracts with Newcastle Falcons and Saracens respectively this summer.

"The success of our younger players is down to the increasing speed, strength, and focus on skills development and intelligent passing, as highlighted in the live commentary at Twickenham.”