THE headteacher of Bishop Heber High School has spoken of his pride in seeing his son compete in the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Tom Curry and his brother Ben both played rugby while attending the Malpas school under the stewardship of their father David, and the pair have gone on to play for top flight rugby union club Sale Sharks.

Both brothers have also represented England’s youth set-up, but it is Tom who has travelled with the senior team to Japan, after receiving his first call-up in 2017.

David said that growing up, the pair would never miss an opportunity to watch and play rugby and even coached them himself, having also played for Crewe and Nantwich.

“They just couldn’t get enough of it,” said David.

“They came to every match both home and away and they liked helping as ball boys or bringing on the water.

“They insisted on being there when they could have just chosen to be inside on the Playstation.

“In the rain or snow they would be watching, even if they had already played themselves.

“I was their coach from the age of four to 16 at the club and at Bishop Heber High School.

“I used to play them at fly-half and centre and they were my kickers at Crewe and Nantwich as well so they loved getting the ball in their hands and you can still see that now.

“They were competitive and occasionally it boiled over but they were also unbelievably supportive of each other and they still are.

“My wife and I are so proud of who he has become. He knows the responsibility that comes with pulling on that white shirt and he always makes time for supporters after the game.

“Those values were instilled in both Tom and Ben from their days down at the club.

“Whenever we see Tom sing the national anthem we are in absolute bits. Seeing him perform at a World Cup means so much to us.”