The south Shropshire pupils landed the memorable day after famously winning the national primary schools tag rugby title in July. In the final, they defeated Holy Trinity School from Kent after extra time following a thrilling tussle – and the two schools have been rewarded for their efforts by being invited to Twickenham for England’s first Autumn test against the old enemy from Down Under.
Parents of the 12 Stretton pupils involved will also be travelling down for the proud day, most of them on a 54-seater coach. The two schools will emerge from the changing rooms and the famous tunnel to play two six-a-side games from 1.30-2pm after which they have lunch.
They will then get a chance to see the Test stars, including the likes of star fly half Jonny Wilkinson, at close quarters warming up.
Before the big game, they will form a V shape as the players run onto the pitch and then stand in front of the teams when the national anthem is played, all of which will be shown live on Sky TV. The youngsters will then retire to the front row of the main stand to watch the international.
Coach Ralph Davies from Church Stretton Primary School said it would be a day to remember – and admitted the youngsters were having lessons to ensure they know the words to the national anthem on the big day.
“It’s going to be a fantastic day for them, it’s a reward for their super achievement when winning the final last July,” he said. “Of last year’s team, eight have now gone to secondary school but they’ll all come back together for tomorrow.
“We’ll have a squad of 12 players, who will play two six-a-side 15-minute games. They’re really excited.”
The school has attracted plenty of interest from the media with youngsters interviewed on Midlands Today this week. Their success has led to backing from local sponsors, with the Travellers Rest Inn in Church Stretton sponsoring their shirts and West Mercia Police their training tops.