PLAYERS stepping out in this year's Stonyhurst Sevens Tournament will be following in some famous footsteps - with four of the current England squad all playing in the competition in recent years.

Blackburn-born Will Greenwood and Stonyhurst old boy Kyran Bracken are the two high profile stars who have graced the biggest schools sevens tournament in the country, which is now in its 15th year.

Fellow members of England's Grand Slam chasing squad, Philip Christophers and James Daniel-Simpson - who played at Stonyhurst as recently as two years ago - underline the fact that competition is a breeding ground for stars of the future.

And add former Stonyhurst pupils, the injured British Lion Ian Balshaw and London Irish and England Sevens star Kevin Barrett, the prestige of the event is there for everyone to see.

Stonyhurst College's head of sport Simon Charles has been involved in the competition for the past 10 years.

He said: "When you look at the list of players who have taken part in this event and have gone on to play at the highest level, you realise how important it is.

"It is now the biggest schools sevens event in the country and second only in size to the national Rosslyn Park Sevens.

"Greenwood, and more recently, Simpson-Daniel were here with Sedburgh while Christophers played for Lancaster Grammar. They are all now playing at the highest level and are all England internationals. Basically, any Northern based player who has gone on to make it is likely to have played at the Stonyhurst Sevens at one time."

Now the current crop of youngsters, making up the 48 teams that will take part in the event that takes place next Wednesday, will be under the gaze of the selectors.

"This is rugby in its purists form," added Charles. "It's rugby in its basic format, it's attacking and exciting and a chance for the star players to shine. I remember watching Ian Balshaw play a few years ago and he was unbelievable. He always had time with the ball and his pace was electric.

"It's true to say that the selectors will be here to watch the current crop of players."

Charles said the event takes some planning.

A total of 140 matches on one day in three different age groups. Nine pitches have been marked out and 24 referees from across the North West have been drafted in.

"I start sending out the invites in October and it has gone on from there. I'll be a happy man come 5pm next Wednesday because I know it will all be over!"

The competition will include under 18s, under 16s and under 11s age groups. Stonyhurst will be defending the under 16s title while the under 18s will be looking to build on recent form where they have been beaten finalists and semi finalists.