SPORTING youngsters from Worcester had fun playing rugby in front of about 65,000 people.

Pupils from Lyppard Grange Primary School, Ankerage Green, Worcester, played at Twickenham Stadium. The year six children, aged 10 and 11, joined dozens of others from schools across the UK to play tag rugby during half-time at the EDF Energy National Trophy Final between the Ospreys and the Leicester Tigers.

PC Nick Davies, local police officer for Warndon Villages, had been coaching the team over the past few months and went with them to the famous stadium.

He said: "The only reason I got involved in coaching at all was because the children asked me to help."

In March, the team won the third and final heat of qualifying tournaments held by Worcester Rugby Club at Sixways.

Teacher Sherry Minton said the final was a fantastic experience. She said: "The children were looking forward to it for weeks. They loved it. We put in some extra practices at school and it was really exciting on the day."

Although they did not win their game, the budding rugby players, who also took part in a parade around the stadium, took home fond memories. Mrs Minton said: "We took part in the tournament last year and played at Sixways.

"But this was the furthest the school has ever got. They did really well."

The young team were the only Worcestershire team to make the final.