Tadworth-based Chinthurst School’s U8s rugby team have shortlisted for the school team of the year prize at the Lawson Keys national rugby awards.

The team were only put together last year and went undefeated for the whole season, becoming joint winners of the National Schools Rugby Tournament. 

Rugby coach Will Beadle said: “We are incredibly proud to be competing with more established teams for this major prize, in a David and Goliath-style scenario.

“Most of our opponents at this event are twice the age and probably there times the size of our players.

“The entire team consistently demonstrates the core values of the sport. They have developed amazing discipline skills and train in their own time at weekends.”

He added: “The boys have a positive, full-of-fun attitude and if they continue like this, I have no doubt we are looking at future England stars.”

Acting headmaster Tim Button said: “Being shortlisted for this prize is acknowledgment of the amazing achievement the boys have made.

“Watching them play is as exciting and gripping as watching any professional team.”

The awards night takes place at Twickenham stadium on September 2.