A YOUNG rugby player will live his dream this week when he runs out on the field at Twickenham.

Former Barnard Castle School student Sam Leeming secured his place on the England rugby turf by qualifying with Hartpury College for the British Universities Rugby Championship Final.

Mr Leeming, 19, started playing tag rugby at Darlington RFC when he was four, going on to develop his craft at Barnard Castle School and Newcastle Falcons.

After completing his A levels, the teenager went to Hartpury College, in Gloucestershire, to study a degree in sports science and, although he was awarded an elite sports scholarship, was forced to sit out the 2014/15 rugby season after suffering an injury.

Instead he spent his time filming and analysing the team.

This season he has played for Hartpury University Centre in the British Universities and Colleges Sport Super Rugby League.

Barnard Castle School headmaster Alan Stevens praised the former student and said: “At school we believe it is important for every student to have a go.”