TRURO College's biggest-ever overseas sports programme has received an early boost with sponsorship from a rugby-loving Cornish brewery.

As Daily Mail English champions, the college's U18 rugby squad have been invited to play in two prestigious tournaments in South Africa and Japan in the spring where they will be up against top teams from around the world, watched by thousands of spectators.

Two special fund-raising events have been arranged for March 5 and 25 at Truro's Skinner's Brewery – who have signed up as one of the main sponsors for the tours.

Then on March 30 the squad, led by college rugby head Steve Larkins, a former Cornwall Twickenham hero, will fly out to South Africa for the Waterkloof Easter Festival near Pretoria.

Over three days, they will play nine "mini-matches" – of 15 minutes each half – against top schools and colleges from countries including Australia, New Zealand and Italy, as well as the host nation.

Less than three weeks after returning to the UK, the Truro party will be off again on April 25 for a similar-format tournament – the Sanix Championships – based at Fukuoka in south Japan.

"Cornwall can be immensely proud of these youngsters' achievements to date and the upcoming tours are a fantastic opportunity for them to compete on the international stage," said brewery chief executive Steve Skinner.

As well as staging the fund-raising events, the brewery will also make a financial contribution to the tour.

Mr Larkins commented: "We are indebted to Skinner's for their support and to the growing number of other sponsoring companies.

"Parents are chipping in and the college is also helping meet the cost, but we still need more sponsors and anyone interested is very welcome to contact me on 01872 267190."