The schools where England’s rugby league and union players are made

Castleford and Sedbergh are very different schools that exist in very different worlds, but they both achieve rugby excellence

By Gavin Willacy for No Helmets Required

In a setting whose gasp-inducing beauty would be hard to beat in world sport, hundreds of pupils switch from their green tweed blazers to sports kits to spend four afternoons a week having rugby, football, netball and hockey lessons. But mainly rugby. For this is Sedbergh, one of the best sporting schools in England, where rugby is king.

On their sacred pitches, which have stunning views of Howgill Fells and sit beside their stylish indoor sports centre, 40 sixth formers split into forwards and backs to train. The facilities would be the envy of several professional clubs.

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