Potential future England rugby stars were left in tears after their rugby academy shut its doors only two weeks into the school year.

Parents were rang the night before by staff at Blackheath Rugby Academy, in Eltham, to inform them that the school would be closing the following day due to lack of funds.

Among the young rugby hopefuls was Jack McDonnell, 17, who had just started his second year.

His mum Denise said: “They've just chucked them out. One of the lads had come over from Slovakia especially for the academy. It’s shocking when you see a bunch of 16 and17 year old boys crying with each other."

Parent Nicole Cooper said that although her son had managed to find another school, the situation was "a complete nightmare" and that his dreams were in ruins. She said: “We didn’t get the call until about 9.30pm when we were told to not come in the next day. I can’t believe they couldn’t just leave it running for another month or so.”

Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Surely they knew before the term started and all sixth form places were full up already.

“If my son wanted to stay in sixth form he would have stayed at his grammar school. That’s the part parents are upset about."

The academy, at Kidbrook Lane, Eltham, is affiliated to national league one rugby union side Blackheath FC.

Its president Des Diamond said the academy needed to bring in 20 new students each year to make it a viable operation

He said: “Sadly this did not happen and once this was recognised, and we had all the relevant details available to us, we contacted several local colleges and schools and then provided all the details to the parents in order for them to explore alternative education options as soon as possible.

“Blackheath FC deeply regrets having to disband the academy but without the previous financial support enjoyed from a corporate sponsor, which ensured the academy was sustainable, we were totally reliant on a successful and healthy annual enrolment, which sadly did not occur this year.”

The academy, which had a total of 17 boys each studying for a two-year diploma, complete with coaching training, was closed on September 20.