Pride in defeat for Thomas Rotherham College's national rugby union finalists

The lads overcame better resourced rivals to go all the way to the decider in the England Colleges RFU National Cup.

They played Hartpury College at Stourbridge RFC and although they lost 64-33, there was pride in defeat.

Team coach JB Bruzulier: “The first 20 minutes were a bit of an eye opener for the boys to see what they were coming against and the pace which Hartpury started at.

"We went 31-0 down but the character and self belief the lads showed to fight back was outstanding.

"There was a time we got it back to 45-31 and then we made a little mistake and they capitalised on it and that was the turning point for the high score.”

The students are part of the TRC Rugby Academy, run in conjunction with the Rotherham Titans and the Titans Community Foundation.

It was started by JB and forwards coach John Williams and has since blossomed, enabling the youngsters to study while developing their rugby skills overseen by coaches including other Titans players.

TRC have been helped along the way by the support of family and friends, the college itself and Rotherham Rugby Club’s CEO, Martin Jenkinson.

The team’s season isn’t done.

They have one more game and it’s a big one against Wath on April 22. Whoever wins will win the league.

Beyond that, there are plans to grow the TRC Rugby Academy still further.

"We recently had an open day, and it was very successful,” added JB.

"We are going to open a pre-season camp as well and hopefully get a good turn-out rate for next year.

"To get to a national final and do well in the league has been huge and hopefully that can serve as an inspiration to future students.”