A GROUP of aspiring rugby stars got the chance to learn from some international players at a special event.

The Rydal Penrhos School and Colwyn Bay Rugby Club contingent travelled to the Athlete Factory in Chester to train with the United States of America’s National Sevens side, who were visiting the United Kingdom to compete in the latest leg of a prestigious international competition.

Matthew Johnson, Head Boy James Gilman, Ethan Akroyd, Harry Fardoe, Harley Doyle, Telor Jones, Jonah Craddock and Year 5 pupil Cieran Milligan formed the school’s U11 side that enjoyed a memorable campaign, recording a number of impressive results against teams from across North Wales and the North West.

During the event the group got the chance to take part in a series of drills designed to improve all areas of their game, and got some helpful hints from members of the squad before they took part in the recent London 7s competition.

Their squad included the supremely talented Carlin Isles, who is regarded as the world’s fastest rugby player in any discipline.

The high-profile international series also featured former pupil Tom Williams, who played a starring role for the Welsh side and is a product of the Rydal Penrhos Rugby Academy, which is run in partnership with RGC and the Welsh Rugby Union.

Jamie McLeod, Head of Boys’ Games at Rydal Penrhos, said: “This was another very memorable experience for the group, who gained some first-class knowledge of the sevens game from a squad that is held in very high regard on the global stage.”