YOUNG rugby players will experience their first taste of stadium stardom as part of their pre-season training regime.

The Under-11s from Barnard Castle Preparatory School will play the tournament ahead of season openers against teams from across the North-East.

The Under-13s squad will also take part in the pre-season match-up followed by the Barnard Castle School’s 1st XV at The Northern Echo Arena, Darlington – home of Darlington Mowden Park RFC.

Martin Pepper, director of sport at Barnard Castle School, said: “It promises to be a great evening of rugby. For many of the boys it will be their first chance to play at the arena and they’re really looking forward to it.

“We hope lots of fans will come along to support them.”

A number of Barnard Castle School pupils have gone on to play for Mowden Park RFC and several teachers have also coached at the club.

Tonight’s tournament (Friday, September 16) will be an important session for the squads before the school hosts teams from Aysgarth School and Cundall Manor, North Yorkshire, and Dame Allen’s School, in Newcastle.

The Under-11s match kicks off at 4pm and tickets are £2 for adults while under-16s go free. Boxes with a buffet for ten people are £200 or £100 without food.

To book a box at the arena, call Laura Iceton on 01325-350267.