A NORTH-EAST school with a proud rugby history is carrying on its traditions after making a clean sweep in the county championships.

The U13s, U14s, U15s and U16s at Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, were all county cup winners following a long season of highs for the teams.

The U13s, U14s and U15s sides were also county Sevens winners, while U18s Sevens narrowly lost out in the National Schools Festival coming runners-up at Rosslyn Park, in London.

Several rugby internationals are Barnard Castle old boys including Rory and Tony Underwood, Rob Andrews and, most recently, Mathew Tait.

Rugby master Martin Pepper said: "It has been a long and disjointed season, with the county championships continuing after Christmas. The players have done exceptionally well getting to four finals and winning them, which shows they have great prospects for the future.

"The U18s Sevens also did very well to reach the final of a national tournament, losing 14-10 to Wellington College."

Rugby will continue throughout the year with coaching sessions and fitness routines being held for the players, including front five, half back and kicking training.

"We are also running fun-in-the-sun training sessions to get them even fitter for next season and to educate them on the capabilities of their own bodies," said Mr Pepper.