Blackburn Rugby Club u16s captain William French got the chance to rub shoulders with England head coach Stuart Lancaster and Rugby World Cup winners Ben Kay and Mike Catt.

The 15-year-old attended an exclusive one-day RFU coaching event in Nottingham for promising young players.

He was one of under 100 young players chosen nationally to enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience life as a professional rugby player.

Turton High School pupil William, from Edgworth, qualified for the BMW Ultimate Performance Event because he played for Blackburn Rugby club and their partnership with Bowker BMW on Trident Park in Blackburn.

He said: “I love my rugby, so to spend a day being coached by some of my heroes was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.

“It took a bit of getting used to just being in their company, but the coaches and players were easy to talk to and took time to give me some great advice. It really inspired me, to see what they achieved and how passionate they were for the sport.”

BMW and the RFU are also in partnership to help develop the next generation of English rugby talent through the BMW Performance Academy. The BMW Performance Academy identifies the key players of tomorrow, and supports their development today, to ensure the growth and sustainability of the national team.

Paul Westhead President of Blackburn Rugby club said, “We have a thriving youth set up here and it’s given everyone a real lift to see one of our youngsters chosen to be a part in this fantastic event.

“We are grateful for the support of local companies like Bowker BMW. This is another example of how their involvement is having an inspirational impact on the success of our club at all levels.”