Rugby boys enjoy a Twickenham world

Mar 25 2009 Surrey Herald

It's a dream for all rugby-mad youngsters to display their skills at Twickenham Stadium on a Six Nations Day

That opportunity of a lifetime came true for a bunch of thrilled boys and girls from Reeds Weybridge RFC's U10s who took to the hallowed turf at rugby's headquarters ahead of kick-off in the clash between England and France last week.

Their appearance, which also saw the young players and their coaches in demonstration action, came about as a result of a partnership between the International Rugby Board, Rugby Football Union and Goodyear.

The tyre giant has thrown its weight behind the IRB's Rugby Ready programme.

It is a scheme which allows coaches at all levels to be trained on vital safety elements of the game, including accident prevention and treatment.

The company's support will see equipment be provided to clubs across the country whenever they host the Rugby Ready schemes.

It was launched earlier this year by England's assistant coach, Graham Rowntree.

Goodyear's delighted managing director Mark Brickhill, who is also a coach for the Weybridge side, said: "It was the chance of a lifetime for these youngsters, and I'm sure they will remember it for a long time to come.

"Their demonstration was a great way to raise awareness of Rugby Ready.

"Hopefully it gave the crowd a quick snapshot of the great work that is being done by the IRB and RFU in championing safety within the sport."

The Weybridge squad (pictured above) were: Buffy Brickhill, Callum McLeod, Max Hitchins, Charlie Phillips, Connor Munroe, Charlie Norton, Oliver Munday-Rowe, Oliver Kenyon, Cameron Fotheringham, Maxim Vargo, Finn McIntosh, Noah Matthews, Ian Gobron, Nancy Scott, James Wyeth, and Hayden Roberts.