The Royal Grammar School’s under-18s rugby team have booked their place in a Twickenham final, seeing off Stowe School convincingly today, 21-6, in their Daily Mail RBS Cup semi-final tie in Coventry.

RGS were dealt a blow before kick-off, with talismanic captain and England international Joel Hodgson failing a late fitness test. But head boy Drew Harding stepped up to show his own leadership skills, scoring two tries as RGS opened up a handsome points gap after the interval.

With Hodgson’s replacement Lewis Munalley making light of the England player’s absence with two successful penalties, RGS progressed comfortably into the final. Coach Andy Watt (pictured) admitted that his side should even have extended their lead yet further.

“We scored 21 points but still didn’t really take our chances – that’s something to work on. But I’m ecstatic. It was a great performance, we dominated from the start. And that’s especially pleasing against such a big, physical Stowe side.

“The boys are over the moon, I’m delighted for them. They can’t wait to go to Twickenham. They watched the Six Nations match after our game, and despite England losing, they’re still buzzing at the idea of running out there!”

From an original field of more than 500 schools from across the country, just two now remain. RGS will play Whitgift School in the final at Twickenham on March 31st.