Northampton School for Boys play in their first ever Daily Mail Cup Final on Saturday as they take on the holders, Dulwich College, at Twickenham Stadium.

Despite going in as slight underdogs, NSB go into the game full of confidence, buoyed after their magnificent semi final comeback against Warwick. Old Boy Courtney Lawes has also provided some inspiration by providing a new kit for the team as they bid to become the first state school winners of the Cup since Truro College in 2009.

We caught up with Head Coach Mark Lee to hear his thoughts ahead of the game:

“All is good here – we’re keeping things as normal as possible, the boys are training well and looking forward to it, focusing on playing the game not the occasion.”

“ We’ve had a fantastic response from everyone at the school, and the local rugby clubs, who deserve credit for helping develop many of the players in the squad, Old Northamptonians, Old Scouts and Towcestrians all have representation.”

“ The whole town have also got behind us, they realise it is a massive achievement but we have no intention of going to Twickenham to make up the numbers – we have real talent in this side and a gritty determination.”

“Courtney Lawes has been a star and provided a full new playing strip from Adidas.”

“We have respect for Dulwich but we are going there to have a tilt at this trophy, we have beaten a lot of good teams to get there and we have emphasised the importance of cool heads on the day.”

Head Coach – Mark Lee 

Captain – Jack Spittle (Centre)

Star Man – Rotimi Segun (Centre)

Hero of the Semi Final – Conor Bullivant (Fly Half)

Results so far:

Semi Final – Northampton School for Boys 13-10 Warwick 

Quarter final – Northampton School for Boys 3-0 The King’s School, Macclesfield

Last 16 – Northampton School for Boys 10-8 The King’s School, Worcester

Round 5 – Northampton School for Boys 30-17 Oakham

Round 4 – Northampton School for Boys 24-7 Adams Grammar School

Round 3 – Northampton School for Boys v Oundle – Walkover

Round 2 – Northampton School for Boys 50-0 Wellingborough

Round 1 – Northampton School for Boys v Campion School, Northamptonshire – Walkover

2012 Daily Mail Cup Record – Round 4, lost 14-10 for Uppingham

Best Daily Mail Achievement – Under 18 Quarter Finalist 2004, lost 24-6 to RGS Lancaster. Under 15 Semi Finalist in 2009 & 2004, 34-7 to Judd School and 17-12 to Sherborne.

Prestigious Rugby Alumni: Courtney Lawes, Steve Thompson

The Daily Mail Cup Final will be held at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, kick off will be at 15.40 following the conclusion of the U18 Vase and the Under 15’s Cup & Vase.