THIS weekend, with what seems like incredible timing, St Josephs College in Ipswich hosts the 21st National Schools' Rugby Festival.While fans up and down the country look forward to England competing in a second consecutive Rugby World Cup final, a group of talented, dedicated, and passionate rugby players will focus on a different, but in their eyes, equally important contest, the De La Salle Cup.

THIS weekend, with what seems like incredible timing, St Josephs College in Ipswich hosts the 21st National Schools' Rugby Festival.

While fans up and down the country look forward to England competing in a second consecutive Rugby World Cup final, a group of talented, dedicated, and passionate rugby players will focus on a different, but in their eyes, equally important contest, the De La Salle Cup.

The competition, which has long given clubs such as London Wasps and Northampton Saints the chance to see up-and-coming talent, has become a major date in the rugby calendar since the first festival in 1986.

It is a fact college principal Sian Grant is very proud of.

She said: “Our main aim with the festival is not only to celebrate schoolboy rugby, but also to provide the boys with the opportunity of playing in a highly-competitive and professional environment.

“This is made possible by the expertise and high calibre of referees supplied by the London Division of Rugby Referees.”

She added: “The success and strength of the festival lies not just in the superb squads participating, but also in the many people who support and play a part in its organisation.”

Since its start, the event has seen its fair share of success.

Past players at the festival to have gone on to glory include England stars Mike Tindall, Ollie Barkley and Josh Lewsey.

The festival offers the best of British Schoolboy rugby, featuring teams from England Ireland and Wales. It starts at 9am tomorrow.

St Josephs will kick things off on pitch one, with the first match against Whitchurch.

On the second pitch, last year's winners Millfield take on Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, in what promises to be a fierce battle between two of the main contenders.

There will be a host of trade stands and RFU displays to keep all the family entertained.

As well as a marquee bar, hot and cold food will be available.

The event at St Josephs College, Belstead Road, Ipswich runs from 9am until 5pm on Saturday, and 8.50am until 4pm on Sunday.

Entry is free, and a crèche for children over three is available.

Tomorrow's Festival Fixtures

9am: St Joseph's College v Whitchurch HS, Millfield School v QEGS Wakefield.

9.40am: RGS High Wycombe v Saffron Walden County HS, Filton College v KCS Wimbledon.

10.20am: Dulwich College v The Perse School, Ivybridge College v Brighton College.

11am: St Peter's HS v Kilkenny College, Truro College v Campion School.

11.40am: St Joseph's College v QEGS Wakefield, Millfield School v Whitchurch HS.

12.20pm: Filton College v Saffron Walden County HS, RGS High Wycombe v KCS Wimbledon.

1pm: Ivybridge College v The Perse School, Dulwich College v Brighton College.

1.40pm: Truro College v Kilkenny College, St Peter's HS v Campion School.

2.20pm: St Joseph's College v Millfield School, Whitchurch v QEGS Wakefield.

3pm: Filton College v RGS High Wycombe, KCS Wimbledon v Saffron Walden County HS

3.40pm: Ivybridge College v Dulwich College, Brighton College v The Perse School.

4.20pm: Truro College v St Peter's HS, Campion School v Kilkenny College.