YOUNG rugby players got the chance to run rings around members of the current England rugby World Cup squad at an open day at Blackburn rugby club.

However the likes of rugby stars Dan Luger and Kieron Bracken were cardboard cut-outs.

But it was just one of the activities open for rugby-mad youngsters who travelled from East Lancashire and beyond to take part in a full day of action.

The promotional day was open to boys and girls aged between five and 18 where they received expert coaching, took part in a tag rugby competition and enjoyed the popular Nike Skill Centre.

The skill centre gave children the chance to test a wide range of rugby skills, including how high they could kick a ball, how quick they could pass and how fast they could dodge around full size cut outs of England players.

And the centre was staffed by fully qualified RFU coaches who tested players against the large clock which was also on display. Senior squad members turned up on the day and also helped out with the tag rugby competition which included mini and youth matches against teams from Chorley, Bolton, Harrogate, Stockport and West Park Bramhope.

The competition was also open to local schools who have taken part in tag rugby events at the club over recent months.

Mike Holden, Blackburn Rugby Club's mini section administrator, said that the day turned out to be very popular.

He said: "The Nike Skill Centre was a definite winner with the youngsters because it was something a little bit different to what they were used to. And it gave them the chance to see some of the England rugby players even if they were cardboard cut-outs!

"However it was just another example of our commitment to providing more for youngsters who are getting more and more interested in the sport all the time. We are hoping that the day attracted young girls and boys who hadn't played rugby before and they saw enough to come back again."

Any players interested in joining the club should contact Mike Holden on 01254 729837.

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