Proud day as Northamptonshire pupils welcome England rugby team onto the pitch at Twickenham

Sir Christopher Hatton Academy’s Year 7 rugby team was selected through the All Schools Rugby Programme to represent Northamptonshire to play at Twickenham during the England rugby team’s warm-up before the 21-10 win over Ireland.

The team from Wellingborough then performed the national guard of honour as the England team came out onto the pitch on Saturday (February 27).

PE teacher Darren Brookes said: “What an opportunity for both the pupils and staff.

“It was an exciting day with the pupils getting to change in the official dressing rooms, walk through the tunnel and play on the same pitch as many famous international players.

“I was very proud of both the boys and our school.

“A day I will never forget.”

Mike Hawkins, school sports co-ordinator, said: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Year 7 Rugby team, they made me, the academy and the county proud.”

Ben Gordon from Year 7 said: “The atmosphere was unbelievable, especially singing the National Anthem in front of 81,000 fans.

“I felt very proud representing my school and putting on the Hatton rugby shirt.”

Year 7 pupil Max Mowforth said: “Playing on the pitch was a great experience, I still can’t believe we did it.”