Ben and Tom are both part of Sale Sharks U18’s Academy - Ben is also the captain of the side. They are currently studying for their A-levels at Oundle School (Northamptonshire), who they also represent.

Aged 5, Ben and Tom started playing for Crewe & Nantwich RUFC at Under 7’s in 2003 through to Under 16’s before moving on the to study at Oundle School in 2014.

Tom (left) and Ben (right) winning the All England U16 7s Tournament at London Irish with Bishop Heber High School in 2014 - the first state school to win the tournament in 27 years.

Both now play flanker, Ben originally played Fly Half alongside Tom at Centre, before both moved into the pack. As well as representing Cheshire and North of England at U16’s, both were capped for England U16’s, Ben with England U16 Saxons and Tom England U16’s. Tom was also awarded England U16 Player of Year (The Trevor Watton Cup) in that season.

They are due to complete their A-levels this summer, so along with their commitment to Sale Sharks, England and their exams they have a busy summer ahead! As well as both pursuing a career in professional rugby, Ben hopes to study Pharmacy or Maths at university and Tom wishes to study Geography.

They are a fine example of how far you can go in our great sport with dedication and a lot of hard work.

We wish them every success this season with both England and their A-level exams, and will watch with interest how their careers develop.