ON THE second anniversary of England winning the Rugby World Cup, Worcester Warr-iors helped launch the Premiership Rugby Academy, run in association with O2.

It is the first time that Premiership clubs have joined forces to launch a range of courses under a collective banner with the aim of developing the rugby stars of the future.

The Premiership Rugby Academy will offer a range of courses for all abilities aimed at boys and girls aged six to 17. One-day courses, three- day non-residential courses and five-day non-residential courses will be available to choose from, as well as five-day residential courses run with the British Army.

Courses will run during the Christmas holiday break, half-terms in February, May and October together with the Easter and summer holidays. Full details of courses and how to book can be found at www.premiershiprugbyacademy.com

Courses will be run by top Premiership coaches who are experienced in nurturing young talent and also by the league's stars who will be on hand to give guidance and rugby and fitness tips to those attending.

Every youngster taking part in a Premiership Rugby Academy course will also get the chance to enter the O2 Kick, Pass and Run Challenge, the country's biggest rugby skills competition.

A winner from each of the three age groups from each camp will progress to the regional finals to win the chance to compete at the Premiership Final and to be crowned the O2 Kick, Pass and Run Challenge Winner.

Dan Zaltzman, community manager at Sixways, said: "The Academy is an exciting new step forward for our hugely popular holiday training camps. We can now offer a wider range of activities to cater for beginners to players of international standard."

First teamers from Sixways were scheduled to visit Evesham last night as part of the Powergen National Community Programme.

The Avon Street junior set-up has also been aided by Barclays who have donated a complete set of coaching kit and equipment. The award forms part of the £30m grassroots sports programme - Barclays Spaces for Sports.

"Our numbers continue to grow so we are always grateful for new sponsorship and donations," said Ian Stoddart, head of the club's youth section.