THE talented Tait brothers will doubtless be collecting plenty of silverware if they live up to their early promise on the rugby field.

With 19-year-old Mathew, the youngest England international for 80 years, and sixth-former Alex, 17, making his name with England Under-18s, 11-year-old Finlay is, unsurprisingly, already showing himself to be a talented player.

But whatever honours the future brings the boys, one particular trophy will always have special significance because it has been named after them by their school, Barnard Castle, in County Durham.

The Tait Tens were played for the first time yesterday, with 12 young teams from Durham and Yorkshire taking part.

Mathew, who has left the family home, at Wolsingham, Weardale, to live in Newcastle, took a break from training with his club, the Newcastle Falcons, to present the Tait Cup to tournament winners Bradford Grammar.

There was a medal for Finlay and the rest of the Barnard Castle Under-12s, who went down 19-14 in a closely-fought final.

Mathew said: "It has been a good event. I have enjoyed seeing all the young lads getting involved in competition and enjoying themselves."

Rugby master Martin Pepper said: "It has been a really enjoyable and successful first tournament, with plenty of good quality rugby played and extremely close matches.

"Hopefully, we will be able to build on this in the future and the presence of Mathew and his family was an extra bonus."

Deputy headteacher Oliver Marlow said: "We really do care about rugby, from a young age right the way through, and are looking forward to doing this again next year.

"We are delighted Mathew and his family could join us as we are extremely proud of him and his achievements."

There were 130 boys playing in the tournament. Player of the day was James Watkin, of Bradford Grammar. Richmond School won the plate.

An injured player from Mowden Rugby Club, in Darlington, was taken by air ambulance to the James Cook Memorial Hospital but was allowed home after x-rays to his back.