ST Peter's School, York, could be without both of their England rugby union international stars for Wednesday's Daily Mail Schools Cup final at Twickenham.

Influential back James Marsden has been knocked out of contention for the squad after picking up a concussion playing against Wales for England last Sunday.

And that body-blow could be doubled with top try-scorer Peter Wackett also on England duty at the Association of European Rugby tournament in France. If he plays against Romania tomorrow he will be back on the plane to London to join up with his St Peter's schoolmates before returning to France for the rest of the tournament.

If he doesn't play, he will stay in France as a possible replacement for the midweek matches in the 24-team competition.

The Under-18s ploughed their way through seven tough rounds after starting as one of 400 schools in the competition to reach the final against Exeter College.

Coach Richard Francis said: "They won at Under-15 level and have been successful at nearly every age group since then. They understand each other very well and are also more mature than they were three years ago."

The school have received an allocation of 600 tickets and the whole lot are expected to go before the final.

ST PETER'S PEN PIX

1 Marcus Denison (from Helperby): Strong front rower who adds a lot of extra power to the pack.

2 Will Butler (High Catton): Hooker whose high work rate and busy play has seen him play for Yorkshire under-18s this season.

3 Mick Morris (Haxby): Will be hungry for more Twickenham success after lifting the under-15s trophy as captain in 2002. Gets everywhere and is especially quick to the breakdown.

4 Tom Denton (Thornton-le-Dale): New to the team this year after joining from Lady Lumley's School in Pickering but has settled in well. Athletic and good in the line-out.

5 Rory Robertson (York): Typical pack unit who is also a good ball carrier, moving play forward well.

6 Jason Burton (Germany): Athletic pack member who has chalked up representative honours for Yorkshire under-18s.

7 Ali MacLeod (York): Will be looking to lead by example as captain. A top communicator, he directs the team well and has a work rate to match.

8 Tom Clarke (Strensall): Good ball carrying skills and strength in the tackle characterise Tom's playing prowess.

9 James Pang (Malton): Quick feet and great acceleration make James a threat to any side. Has scored several tries in this year's Daily Mail Cup run and represented Yorkshire under-18s 'A' last season.

10 Ed Hilling (Crayke): Fly-half Ed's best attribute is his quick and accurate distribution from both hands.

11 Michael Miller (Escrick): Steady performer Michael has been on the bench for most of the season but a last-minute injury to James Marsden gives him his chance in the starting XV for the final.

12 Mark Jagger (Malton): Several call-ups to Yorkshire squads over the years underscore Mark's ability as a strong running centre capable of scaring defenders with his pace.

13 Ben Hough (Malton): Talented footballer with good pace to boot who could switch from his preferred full-back role to cover for regular 13 Pete Wackett, who is on England duty. Has county honours at under-15, 16, 18 and 20 levels.

14 Charlie Duke (Stillington): Promoted from the bench at the last minute. Always gives 100 per cent and has good pace and a mean tackle.

15 Charlie Parry (Fulford): Goal-kicking is Charlie's main strength with dozens of points coming from his boot already this season.

16 Jeremy Thomas (Long Marston): Back row replacement renowned for good work rate when on pitch.

17 Peter Stower (Dunnington): Strong back rower or line-out jumper, started the under-15s final three years ago.

18 Tom Lloyd (Harrogate): Youngest player of squad who has been moved up from the under-16s to add extra cover for the backs.

19 Richard Lum (Equatorial Guinea): Relatively recent addition, Richard is a versatile back row or line-out replacement.

20 Simon Baker (Halifax): Pretty athletic backs cover who can play on either wing or at fullback.

21 Robin Johnson (Thornton-le-Dale): Very reliable hooker replacement. Hasn't had much game time this season because of Butler's strength at two but highly capable replacement.

22 Simon Webster (Pickering): Brought in to the semi-final squad as a late alternative after another replacement fell ill and did enough to secure a place on the bench for the final. Versatile player with a good attitude.

Peter Wackett (Harrogate): Top try-scorer Peter plays outside centre for St Peters but on the wing for England. Fingers are crossed that he gets a game against Romania on Sunday so can fly back from France for the Twickenham final.

James Marsden (Harrogate): Influential player in the run so far, has scored seven cup tries and 15 in total this season. Will miss final after being concussed for England against Wales.

Updated: 10:20 Saturday, March 19, 2005