Rugby players from a school team have taken part in a prestigious competition thanks to sponsorship from Taylor Wimpey.

The Year 8 boys’ team at Joseph Whitaker School, Rainworth, undefeated for a season and a half, won the county championship last April.

PE teacher Andrew Jacques got the team accepted into the world’s largest schools’ rugby tournament — the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens in Roehampton, London.

Joseph Whitaker, one of a few state secondary schools competing against a field full of fee-paying, independent, grammar and prep schools, lost out in the under-13s group stages on points difference.

Mr Jacques said: “The team enjoyed coaching sessions with England legends and played brilliantly during the two days.”

Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, which is building homes at its new Coupe Gardens development off Warsop Lane, near the school, donated £2,000.

Mr Jacques said: “We are extremely grateful to Taylor Wimpey for its generous donation.

“It was great to hear they were willing to invest in both the local community and grassroots rugby.

“We used the money to help towards travel costs to London and for new rugby shirts for the tournament.”

Pictured is the team with Mr Jacques Andy Jacques in their new Taylor Wimpey-sponsored kits.