DURAND Academy’s rugby team beat King Edward VI School Southampton 33-31 in another successful fixture.

Durand Academy opened the UK’s first fully-funded state boarding school in Midhurst to give children at state school the same opportunities as those on offer in the fee-paying sector, including first rate sports facilities and training.

Since the school was established in November 2014, pupils in Year 9 and Year 10 have enthusiastically embraced rugby. Year 10 began playing last January and have been progressing at a fast rate.

Their talent has already been recognised by a Premiership rugby academy and five students attend bronze group training once a week, giving them the opportunity to extend their skills and knowledge of the game with other players.

Durand have won four out of the five games they have played, with their first game ending in a draw. Tuesday saw Durand travel to King Edward VI School Southampton to play a return fixture from a game that had happened earlier in the year. Durand came out winners of a closely contested game 33-31.

Head of PE at Durand Todd Duncan said: “Most of our boys had never picked up a rugby ball before joining the boarding school.

“We have a number of incredibly talented sportsmen and women at Durand and we are committed to introducing them to new sports and experiences that they will enjoy and continue to play long into the future.

“I am delighted that in less than a year they are excelling at rugby. Their effort and attitude towards each task is a pleasure to watch and be a part of.”