England Rugby Connect With Grassroots
England rugby is reinforcing its connection with the grassroots game by inviting young players from the senior squad’s formative clubs to be mascots at the QBE International against South Africa on November 24.
The mascots will run out at Twickenham in their club kit alongside the player if selected as part of the 23-man match day squad to face South Africa.
Long-standing sponsor O2 also welcomed the 30 plus Under-12s to watch training at Pennyhill Park, Surrey on Monday, November 5. They watched the squad train, met the players afterwards and were given some England memorabilia.
England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: ‘The England players take the responsibility of representing the country very seriously, on and off the field. They feel they represent not just themselves, but also their family, friends and all those that have helped them on their journey, so it was important to offer this opportunity.’
RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger, said: ‘We are working hard to develop England Rugby at all levels and to strengthen the connections from the grass roots to the England senior team. England players start out their involvement in the game at local clubs across the country – this is a great opportunity to celebrate with those clubs and to raise the profile of where the players have come from – hopefully inspiring the next generation to believe that they too can one day play for England.’
