Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield were crowned 2014 Colts champions on day three, as England star Danny Care cast his eye over the next generation of rugby players.

Runners-up seven years ago, QEGS battled their way to the final before coming up against 2001 champions Wellington College.

But it was QEGS who had the edge, triumphing 26-5 to receive the trophy from London Wasps player Andy Goode on the 75th anniversary of the tournament.

Captain Harry Clarke said: “It’s brilliant. When we came we were just trying to get to the second day so to go all the way to the end was great.

“The whole squad depth was brilliant; the guys that came in with fresh legs made an impact to the game and everyone did really well.

“We knew we just had to play our best; Wellington are a good side. This is my first time at Rosslyn Park so to win first time is a great achievement.”

Harlequins and England scrum-half Care had earlier been on hand to offer specialist coaching clinics to schools throughout the day.

And, having not got the chance to play at the tournament when a pupil himself, Care was impressed with what he saw in front of him on day three as he attended the tournament to help out with HSBC Coaching Clinics and Skills Zones. 

“It’s an unbelievable tournament, the biggest school’s tournament in the world so it’s great for the kids from everywhere in the UK to come here and then you’ve got the international teams as well,” he said.

“The talent on show has been really good. We’ve done the coaching clinics and the kids are keen to learn and listen.

“There are definitely a few flyers and star players around the pitches.”

The day also marked the start of the Festival Tournament with teams competing across 26 groups to make it through to tomorrow’s quarter-finals.

One team still in contention are Skinners School who edged a thrilling 19-17 win over Clifton College to make it through to the Festival quarter-final pool stages.

Captain Will Edwards said: “It’s brilliant, there are so many teams coming from all over the country. You get to really test yourself against the best and we are really pleased with how we played today.

“Hopefully we can continue that tomorrow. It will be tough, there will be some good opponents but we are looking to go through to the semis and then onto the final.”

Thursday sees the conclusion of the Festival tournament with the Open tournament also getting up and running.