The competition began in 1981 and was re-launched in 2002, by the RFL in partnership with English Schools Rugby League.

[4] The RFL believe "this competition has played a vital role in introducing Rugby League to an ever increasing number of young people throughout the United Kingdom".

The Year 7 boys finalists however have maintained the privilege of playing the curtain raiser at Wembley ahead of the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final.

[6] National finalists from all age groups parade around Wembley in their school uniforms and watch the Challenge Cup Final as guests of the Rugby Football League.

[7] In the event of a drawn match in a knock-out round before the final, the team that has scored the most tries will be declared the winner.

[1] St. Patrick's (Wigan) played St. Bede's (Widnes) in that 1926 final at Central Park before a crowd of 20,000.

[11] Andy Harland, the RFL's National Development Manager, stated: "Since 2002/2003 season more than 80,000 pupils have played in this tournament, so this year we expect to break the 100,000 barrier which is a huge achievement not only for rugby league but sport in this country".

[11] In 2007, the ESRL fixture secretary, Ron England, noted how the tournament had provided a focus to spreading the sport to more schools.

[4] Mr England was positive about the future performance of Welsh and London schools: "They're at a terrific standard".

[12] Teams progress from regional stages to a national festival for which qualifiers are divided into two groups.

[15] The inaugural Wales Schools Cup was held in 2008, the finals were played at Brewery Field in Bridgend.