MEMBERS of Scotland’s under-20 rugby team took time out from their World Rugby U20 Championships preparations to meet students from a Rossendale school.

The team, which is currently taking part in the tournament in Manchester, met with Alder Grange School students in Rawtenstall and gave them a motivational talk, before taking part in a question and answer session.

Many of the Scotland team taking part Manchester are expected to graduate to become full internationals in the future.

Year 10 student Joe Simpson, 15, said: “Meeting the team was really exciting, we have never done anything like this before. I’m really grateful they came because I now have some really good advice for the career I want to pursue. I learned so much from the question and answer session.”

Alder Grange’s Head of School, Jo Griffiths, added. “It was a great opportunity for the students to get a better understanding of the sport and what it means to play at international level.

“The Scotland team were inspirational. They gave a great motivational talk and stayed around to sign autographs and for pictures. The visit was a real education for everyone lucky enough to meet them.”

Designed to give rugby’s future stars a platform, the World Rugby U20 Championship 2016, features teams from 12 nations.

The final takes place in Salford on June 25.