IT HAS been the cause of many a sleepless night, produced stars of the future and draws a huge crowd every year.

But following an experiment this season the annual Grammar school and King's match may never be the same again.

Sixways will host this year's fixture and the change of venue shows the ever growing influence Worcester Rugby Club are having on the game.

''We've had a fair amount of discussion with both schools and they thought a move to Sixways would be a chance of making it a top fixture in the county,'' said Worcester director of operations Mike Robins.

''They have a huge crowd and, with us trying to set Sixways up as a centre of excellence, they could see it was a sensible move. I hope it will be an annual event.''

The master in charge of rugby at King's, Peter Gwilliam, said safety was of utmost concern.

''At the grammar school in particular the crowd gets quite congested and there was a concern about the safety of people,'' he said.

''It's difficult to know how it will work at the moment but it will give both teams the chance of playing at a premier two ground and arguably the best facilities in Britain."

The December fixture dates back to 1941 and is, without doubt, the centre piece of the season for both schools.

''I don't think the tradition will be lost,'' said the grammar school's head of rugby Gareth Hughes. ''On a couple of occasions things have got out of hand but it's a big match, the last game of the season for both schools, and you can't get away from the fact that it's a local derby with a big rivalry. It's a nice occasion, a big occasion and people should just enjoy it.''

Worcester now have an ambitious youth policy but the two schools have contributed hugely to the club in past years.

Even now with Les Cusworth searching far and wide for talent, three former King's players, Duncan Hughes, Nigel Richardson and Richard Tomlinson, are in the current first team squad.

They are proof that schools rugby is a real breeding ground for talent.

''When we spoke to Les Cusworth he said the boys will be in the shop window at Sixways and, if players want to make an impression, then who knows?,'' added Hughes.

Stars in the making or not, the day, the weekend and the occasion will never be forgotten by those taking part, wherever it is played.

Monday, October 26, 1998.