AN international rugby player returned to his former school to officially open a new development.

Scottish international and London Irish rugby player Joe Ansbro was invited back to Stonyhurst College to unveil the new changing rooms at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall.

Joe, who was the captain of St Mary’s Hall 1st XV in 1999, left the Hurst Green school in 2003 when he went on to study natural sciences at Cambridge University.

He said: “It’s great to be back at Stonyhurst. My rugby team here was invincible and won absolutely everything. I’m very impressed by this brilliant new facility.”

Larry Crouch, headteacher of Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, said: “The changing rooms are a very important place for the teams, because it’s where they discuss strategy and tactics, build each other up, celebrate and commiserate – it’s all done together.”

After Joe unveiled a plaque and declared the rooms open.

The ceremony was followed by Mass in the school chapel.

Joe played cricket with some pupils and was mobbed for autographs.