The country's best school rugby teams will come to Suffolk this weekend for a national festival at a top Ipswich school.

St Joseph’s College is hosting its 38th National Schools Rugby Festival from Friday, October 18 to Sunday, October 20.

The festival sees the top 15 rugby-playing schools from around the UK competing, with rugby scouts in attendance from Premiership Academy and Wales RFU on the hunt for stand-out talent.

This year's festival is adding a U15s and U11s tournament alongside the main event to offer local schools and clubs the chance to participate.

The event will take place this weekend.The event will take place this weekend.  (Image: Prizm / St Joseph\'s College) Alumni of St Joseph's called Old Birkfeldians will return to the school grounds to play rugby and netball matches on Friday and will be present throughout the weekend for the festival. 

The event attracts a large number of players, coaches and spectators to the school's campus, many of whom stay locally.

Previous festivals have also seen former England players Martin Corry MBE and Alex King in attendance. 

The festival is in its 38th year.The festival is in its 38th year.  (Image: Prizm / St Joseph\'s College) Director of sport at the college Fred Wenham said: "There is no denying that the St Joseph’s College Rugby Festival, now in its 38th year, has cemented itself as one of the most prestigious sporting events in the school sports calendar.

"The calibre of school, the standard of play and scale of the event is certainly unrivalled across the country. As we continue to grow and develop the event, it really is a weekend for all to enjoy and one that will last long in the memory."

The matches will be live-streamed via Youtube.The matches will be live-streamed via YouTube.  (Image: Prizm / St Joseph\'s College) Tickets to enter the festival start from £1 per person and can be bought at the gates. 

All matches will also be live-streamed by the college on YouTube.