Graveney School’s rugby stars sat in the same Twickenham dressing room as England’s national heroes on Saturday, but it could not inspire them to glory in the U15 NatWest Schools Vase final.

Cameron Hyne and Alex Graham-Buck bagged tries for the Tooting-based school, but it was not enough as they went down 10-12 to Altrincham.

Despite the disappointment, coach Anastacia Long was a proud lady.

She said: “I think the boys were a bit overwhelmed, being at Twickenham and in the same dressing room as the England team, and they did not play to their full potential.

“But I am so proud of the team, they had to win nine games to get to this point, and I don’t think they will realise for years to come just what they achieved as a team.

“We don’t have rugby on the curriculum, so for them to get to a Twickenham final is a magnificent achievement.”

She added: “The experience of playing at Twickenham was fantastic, and I know the boys will take that into next season and be better prepared.”

Surrey Comet:

Surrey Comet: