PUPILS from Aylestone Business & Enterprise College enjoyed a day to remember at Twickenham last Saturday as they paraded as flag bearers ahead of England’s Six Nations clash with Wales.

The opportunity was afforded to them thanks to their involvement in the CBRE All Schools programme this season.

Launched in 2012, the initiative has been developed by the RFU to increase the amount of rugby played in schools, encourage new players to join local clubs and create a positive legacy through the sport and its core values.

Last autumn, representatives from the RFU’s official partner Canterbury conducted kit-design workshops around the country, one of which was attended by Aylestone.

The bespoke kit designed by the pupils will be delivered to the school in the coming weeks for the teams to play in for the rest of the season and years to come.

“I used to play football but then straight away it was my dad who got me into rugby, so I got all inspiration from him,” said 12-year-old pupil Ollie Hales.

“It’s just incredible.”

Aylestone were one of 80 schools to make the trip to South West London and were treated to lunch and a photoshoot with England internationals Ellis Genge and Harriet Millar-Mills.

Despite his favourite player, Elliot Daly, being injured, Ollie was looking forward to the match.

Ahead of the 12-6 win, Genge gave a talk to the visiting schools about what rugby has done for his life and how the sport’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship can apply to many real-life situations – not just on the rugby field.

“When I was younger we didn’t go too far but some of these schools have travelled from all over the country to come down here, so it’s a great day all round,” said Genge.

“It’s great to see all of the young rugby players from around the country coming together as one.

“Some of these kids would never have had the chance to come to Twickenham so it’s a wonderful opportunity in that respect and they all seemed to make the most of it.”

* CBRE All Schools supported by Canterbury is one of the RFU’s key legacy programmes, set up to increase the number of state secondary schools playing rugby union in England.

Visit www.englandrugby.com/allschools to find out more.