But closer to home, we have a glut of sporting talent on our own Hartlepool and East Durham doorstep and here are some great examples of the rising stars in action.
Take a look through our 10 images of rugby lovers showing off their best moves on the pitch – and some of them meeting a legend of the game.
How many of these people do you recognise?
What are your memories of rugby in the town, we’d love to hear from you.
1. A close fought encounter
West Hartlepool girls are action against Horden in 2017. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Kevin Brady
![Back to 2006 where Rovers under-12s are on the attack against West at Brinkburn.](https://jp-ct.co.uk/image/onecms:4bc5df1b-08e0-4bbf-8332-0f35989bba39/245893.jpg?c=0,0,1711,1140&crop=3:2&width=640)
2. On the attack
Back to 2006 where Rovers under-12s are on the attack against West at Brinkburn. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: DP
3. Rovers with the ball
Rovers have possession against Hawden Park in 2017. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Kevin Brady
![It's 11 years since this tussle between Rovers under-15s and Percy Park under-15s on the King George V playing fields.](https://jp-ct.co.uk/image/onecms:f5261dd9-4447-4a6f-a5e9-35a1b8b449ff/rigby%20rovers%202008%203.jpg?c=40,89,1265,1911&crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Young stars in action
It's 11 years since this tussle between Rovers under-15s and Percy Park under-15s on the King George V playing fields. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: GW