MORE accustomed to being in harmony on the rugby pitch, the entire Sedbergh School first XV are creating quite a buzz in a new singing group - dubbed the Man Choir.

The Dales school is flying high in the rugby charts but it is their talents off the field in the choir that has been catching the eye, and bringing tears to some, in recent weeks.

“The Man Choir, which is 40-strong and started last year, is all-inclusive, and is an example of what being a Sedberghian is all about," said director of music Chris Allinson. "It brings together two of our great traditions - singing and rugby.

"I wanted to give everyone an opportunity to sing. The boys choose the repertoire, with some moderation from me, and they have performed in assembly and major school concerts. A recent arrangement of ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’, performed as a commemoration of our First World War losses, moved many of our audience to tears - for all the right reasons.

"The choir meets once a week and we have monthly socials. Its popularity highlights how important singing is at Sedbergh."

At a recent 1st XV fixture against Abingdon, the entire school sang on the sidelines, with bagpipes and drums, conducted by Head of School Tom Robinson. Sedbergh ran out comfortable 50-7 victors.

"It was quite intimidating for the visiting side, purely because of the depth of passion our pupils have for singing," added Mr Allinson.