PUPILS at a Wollaston school were given a rugby master class by England Women’s world cup winner Lydia Thompson.

Year 9 students at Ridgewood High School were put through their paces during a coaching session at Warley RFC by England Rugby as part of its All Schools initiative.

Lydia, who also plays for Worcester Warriors, said: “It’s been great to get stuck in to coaching and giving advice to those players who have only recently started playing rugby.

“I was amazed by the enthusiasm of the students and think everyone put in a really great effort. You can clearly see that everyone had a great time.”

The All Schools initiative is one of seven areas identified by England Rugby to increase participation in the sport in the lead up to the 2015 World Cup, which will be held across England.

The scheme is supported by property consultants CBRE and staff from the firm’s Birmingham office joined Lydia and representatives from England Rugby at the coaching session.

Stuart Doolittle, CBRE surveyor and keen amateur rugby player, said: “All Schools is a great way of engaging pupils in rugby and encouraging greater participation in schools, particularly those that haven’t traditionally played it.

“It was great to see all of the pupils who attended the coaching session taking on board Lydia’s advice and really getting into the spirit of the game.”

All Schools aims to have 400 schools enrolled nationwide by September’s World Cup and 750 schools taking part by 2019.