With the Rugby World Cup looming and England getting ready to defend their title with Brian Ashton's team of versatile players, what better time to get the kids excited about rugby again.

After days of rain and bad weather, Winchester Rugby Club was pleased to see the sun come out as 1st Contact Sport held their annual World Cup Tag Rugby Tournament.

Nineteen teams took part from over ten schools in the Hampshire area. England (St.Peter's School) came out on top to win the tournament with support from the day's special guests Dominic Shabbo and James Hudson of London Irish RFC.

To start the day, London Irish's club mascot Digger' led the parade of all nineteen teams, around the pitch, watched by supporting parents, teachers and coaches alike. Each team representing a different world cup contending country and all dressed up as their native country.

The teams then split off for warm-ups and everyone was anxious to get started.

All matches were closely contested and the competition was fierce. All schools made some great plays and performed with determination and passion, urged on by the sideline support and there was a great atmosphere both on and off the pitch throughout the whole day.

The weather continued to be supportive and when all the group matches had been played, just four teams went on to compete in the semi-finals for the title of World Cup Winners 2007'. St Peters took two teams through (England and Iceland) along with South Wonston (Wales) and Kings Worthy (New Zealand). All the games were very evenly matched and everyone played well. Wales were a strong side but ended up being just pipped to the post by the England team.

When the matches had been finished all the schools gathered together to hear the results. Dominic Shabbo and James Hudson presented the medals and trophies to the winners. All the teams deserve praise for their efforts.

The overall World Cup winners were England (St Peters), pictured below, with Wales (South Wonston) coming runners-up after some very evenly matched games.

The World Cup Plate' was awarded to Hawaii (Kings Worthy) followed by Japan (St Bedes).

Fiji (Liss) took the World Cup Challis', closely followed by Australia (St. Peters).

The World Cup Goblet' was won by China (Hale) and Brazil (Brockenhurst) came runners-up.

Denmark (St. Peters) won Digger's Bowl', Norway (St Bedes) followed to take runners-up.

There was also awards for Best Dressed Team', Best Girl Player' and Best Boy Player', Hawaii (Kings Worthy), Paige Chapman (Stanmore) and Harry Talks (St Bedes) winning their respective categories.

Lastly but most definitely not least The Fair Play Award went to Stanmore School (Sweden).