THE vice-president of Bromyard Rugby Club is looking at setting up a programme in the town aimed at getting youngsters to try the sport.

Michael Stephens is part of Rugby Tots, an initiative that is targetting two to seven-year-olds.

"It is almost like a toddler group to introduce the kids to the concept of rugby, like throwing the balls around, passing and kicking and playing as part of a team," said Stephens.

"It is educational in that they deal with shapes, colours and numbers and gets them involved in team spirit.

"We are primarily based in Worcester, but are looking at opening up in Bromyard and, if it goes well, we will be looking at Hereford and Leominster."

Stephens added that many clubs struggle to get six or seven-year-olds to play rugby, so is hopeful that his programme can help buck the trend.

"Once they start playing the game, they tend to go all the way to junior and senior rugby and if we can get kids involved from the age of two then they are going to come more naturally into rugby clubs," said Stephens.

"It will give clubs like Bromyard a much bigger pool of talent to choose from."

"The kids will also start indoors, so they won't be out in the cold in the depths of winter."

For more information about the programme, visit rugbytots.co.uk