Radley College are relishing their first experience of a national final as they prepare to take centre stage at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium next week.

Tuesday’s Continental Tyres Schools Cup final pits Radley against reigning champions Northampton School For Boys and director of rugby Nick Wood is urging the youngsters to end their history-making run on a high.

“It’s our first foray into a national final at any age group, so it’s a milestone for the college in itself,” he said.

“The year group is extraordinarily excited and it’s impacted that year and the year below, who are looking forward to their own adventure in the competition next year.

“We are sending our entire year 10 cohort to the StoneX to support and we are confident.

“We know it’s going to be tough against a very good school who won it last year but we know we can perform in tough environments, so we have faith in ourselves.”

Continental Tyres and the RFU are working together to grow rugby through school-linked activities and 171,404 age grade players have registered to play this season, almost 3,000 more than the overall figure last year.

The knockout stages of this year’s competition have seen Radley overcome Hampton School and Millfield in two tight contests which have revealed an ability to navigate tough tests.

“They have managed to raise their performance for their cup games,” Wood added.

“What has impressed me most is their ability as a group, when challenged, to stick to what they believe in even when the opposition themselves are a tougher prospect.

“The StoneX is a 4G pitch, so there are parallels to Aylesbury last week. It’s a much bigger venue, clearly, an impressive place, but the nature of the spectacle means players will be more worried about what’s in front of them than the stadium itself.

“They are lucky to play at such a wonderful stadium but the group know what they have to do to stand a chance of winning.

“They are capable of performing at their best and giving themselves a chance.”

The Continental Tyres Schools Cup is an important part of the age-grade rugby landscape in England, with schools’ rugby often where players fall in love with the game for the first time. For more information visit the Continental Tyres Schools Cup section of the England Rugby Website