A Norfolk schoolboy will rub shoulders with his heroes when he carries the ball onto the Twickenham pitch for England's Six Nations clash with Wales.

Rugby-mad youngster Antony Ringwood will appear on the TV screens of millions when he walks out in front of a crowd of 82,000 at the home of English rugby tomorrow.

The eight-year-old, who goes to Fairhaven Primary School in South Walsham, will then stand in front of the officials during the teams' national anthems before taking his pitchside seat to watch the crunch tie.

His father Jon said: 'Antony was bouncing around the walls when we found out he'd been chosen but since then he's taken it all in his stride.

'He's nervous and excited but who wouldn't be when you're walking out in front of 82,000 people and a huge television audience. We're all over the moon for him – I dare say there will be some tears in my eyes when he's out there.'

The youngster's mother Rachael will join her son and husband on touchline seats after winning an online competition run by England Junior Supporters' Club, of which Antony's a member.

They will take a giant England flag to the game with Norwich RFC written across it. Antony plays for their under-9s team and his dad is a junior coach at the club.

'It's a proud day for his school, the family, and our rugby club,' said Jon, a former player for Lakenham-Hewett and current director of mini rugby at Norwich. Family and friends will be watching the game and recording it because it really is a once in a lifetime occasion.

'Antony has asked for me to print out the words to our national anthem because he wants to learn them so he can sing. It's going to be an amazing day – hopefully England can get a win to top it off.'