THREE former pupils from the same North-East school are expected to line up in a major sporting event this weekend.

Mathew Tait, Calum Clark and Lee Dickson, who all went to Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, are likely to feature in the rugby Premiership final at Twickenham tomorrow (Saturday, May 25).

Northampton Saints players Calum Clark, originally from Richmond, and Lee Dickson will face Wolsingham-raised Mathew Tait of the Leicester Tigers when both sides compete for the trophy.

All three of the rugby professionals, who between them they have 44 England caps, started playing the sport while studying at Barnard Castle School.

Master in charge of rugby, Luke Monument said: “This weekend’s Premiership final will be all the more poignant, given that three of our former pupils, out of the 13 that are currently playing professional rugby at the top level, will be playing at Twickenham in front of 70,000 people in what will undoubtedly be a nail biting final.”

Barnard Castle School claims to have a strong rugby heritage and celebrated the sport earlier this year with a Six Nation’s dinner hosted by former pupil Rory Underwood.

The school’s director of sport, Martin Pepper added: “All three players had their first experience of running out at Twickenham whilst at school; Tait and Dickson in 2003 and Clark in 2007.

“Both Calum and Lee captained their sides, and for Lee it was particularly memorable as it was also his 18th birthday.

“I wish all three players the best of luck.”