St Ambrose College in Hale Barns has seen two former students taking part in the England Rugby team this week.

Mark Atkinson, a centre for Gloucester, and Raffi Quirke, a scrum-half for Sale Sharks, have both been involved in Eddie Jones' side over the past week.

31-year-old Atkinson made his international debut coming on as a substitution in Saturday's 69-3 victory over Tonga. He was a last minute addition to the squad after captain Owen Farrell tested positive for Covid.

Quirke, 20, was not involved against Tonga but will start as a substitute against Australia on Saturday. 

With Atkinson making his debut last weekend and Quirke looking set to make his on Saturday, the duo are the first alumni of the college to be full England internationals.

Mike Fitzsimon, head of physical education at the school, described Atkinson as an "exceptional player" and said he was a "great role model to all the other players" during his time at St Ambrose.

As for Quirke, Fitzsimon said: "He stood out on the pitch and played well above his age."

He also described Quirke as a role model and explained that he visits the school to watch his younger brother play and to help coach some current students.

Quirke has been having a breakthrough season at Sale and with the chance to gain his first England cap aged just 20, there could be many more to come.

An all round athlete, he has been running triathlons since his school days, according to Fitzsimon.

He went on to say it was great for the school as the players "perhaps may have had the option to go but stayed with us".

There may be more to come from the school, with their under-16s recently reaching the Cheshire Cup Final.