Rugby legend Will Greenwood dropped into a city school this morning to pass on World Cup-winning tips to youngsters.

Rugby legend Will Greenwood dropped into a city school this morning to pass on World Cup-winning tips to youngsters.

The former England centre was at Bignold Primary School in Norwich to put 50 Year 4 pupils through their paces as part of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme.

The school in Wessex Street has been receiving coaching from professional coaches from Leicester Tigers since the turn of the year, designed to encourage more children into tag rugby at an early age.

Tigers coaches will work with 50 school across Norfolk during the course of the season as part of a link-up with Lakenham Hewett RFC.

But Mr Greenwood said the scheme, which will reach 36,000 kids nationally by the end of the season, was about more than just sport.

He said: 'With just a few cones, a few velcro belts and a few rugby balls we've seen about 50 kids and introduced them to new sport – and they've all had great fun.

'This scheme is about making the effort to getting out to schools and communities where rugby is not a first choice sport.

'It's about smiling faces, building confidence, working together, respect and discipline.

'I was very lucky in that I grew up in sport, but with pitches disappearing all over the country, this kind of investment from companies like Aviva is more important than ever.

'Tag rugby is the perfect introduction to our sport and – who knows – we could be looking at the next Johnny Wilkinson.'

Teacher Jessica Gardner said the children had been 'buzzing' since the tag rugby sessions began at the start of the year.

She said: 'It's been fantastic for them, learning a new sport. It encourages them to work as a team and improves their communication skills as well as fitness.'