Pupils at Colston’s School were within touching distance of another major trophy on Friday (January 13).

England legend Jason Leonard called in with the RBS Six Nations Trophy as part of a 20-day nationwide tour to promote the 2006 Six Nations tournament.

Colston’s was the only school in the Bristol area, and one of only four in the south-west, to receive a visit.

It meant that a theatre-full of pupils had to be patient while Jason dealt with radio, television and newspaper interviews, but once he took the stage he romped through an hour of questions and answers from boys and girls.

There was no shyness. A forest of arms shot up for every question, and he tested his accuracy and the reactions of questioners by throwing them miniature replica rugby balls which he stayed on afterwards to sign.

“I know all about Colston’s success over recent years,” he said. “There is no doubt that some of the young lads from here who have just gained England caps will go far.

“Age should never be a block like it used to be in the amateur days. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

Jason ought to know. He won the first of his 114 English caps against Argentina in 1990 when he was only 21. It made him the youngest prop to play for England.Jason made his last England appearance against Italy in 2004. He is the world’s most capped forward and the second most capped player of all time after George Gregan of Australia.

Four recent Colston’s pupils Olly Barkley, Duncan Bell, Lee Mears (all Bath) and Tom Varndell (Leicester) have gained full England caps and could play a part in this year’s England Challenge for that RBS Six Nations Trophy.

During Jason’s visit, Colston’s current captain and vice-captain Ryan Prosser and John Coller were interviewed for radio by BBC Radio Bristol and GWR.

Hundreds turn out in rain for Colston's Mini Rugby Festival

A wet Saturday morning did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of boys and parents from eight schools taking part in the annual Colston’s Mini Rugby Festival on Saturday (January 14).

There was non-stop action in the round robin event as the nine-a-side games were played at Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 levels.

The schools were:

Bristol Grammar

Colston’s

Clifton Prep

Kingswood Prep

Cathedral School, Llandaff

The Paragon, Bath

The Downs

St John’s-on-the-Hill, Chepstow

Because it is a festival there were no presentations. But Colston’s Lower School took great pride in the performance of the Under 11 team who won all four of their matches (against Llandaff, Bristol Grammar, Paragon and Kingswood) – scoring 187 points and conceding none.