WHEN the senior pupils from Mount House leave for their rugby tour in the Republic of Ireland in early March, they will take with them the good wishes of Martin Johnson CBE, manager of the England rugby team.

The 25-player squad will travel out to Cork in the south west of Ireland for their weekend tour, and play matches against Youghal Rugby Football Club and Midleton College.

In addition to preparing for the matches, they have also been busy raising money to fund the trip.

They covered 300km - the distance from Mount House to Cork — on a rowing machine at the school in seven hours, raising more than £1,500 towards the cost of the tour.

Mount House headmaster Jim Massey said: 'I am sure the 2011 Mount House Ireland tour will be a resounding success that will cement friendships and establish lasting happy memories. South West Ireland is the perfect venue and the boys will be treated to the warmest of welcomes as well as some fiercely competitive rugby.'