Despite previously suggesting he was "past it", on Monday Prince Harry used his position and love of sport to encourage more schools across the United Kingdom to play rugby.
The young Prince and trained rugby coach took part in a training session involving youngsters who play the sport in Salford, Manchester. Wearing an England rugby shirt, 30-year-old Harry was enthusiastic as he joined in with the practise session at Eccles RFC.During his visit Harry also helped student volunteers run a rugby festival for younger children, and he met with local teachers who are being trained as rugby coaches.
A spokesman for Eccles RFC told the local Manchester paper, Mancunian Matters: "We are all looking forward to him coming, but it’s all very busy here, getting everything ready and secure. "We're all really excited and I bet the kids might be able to teach him a thing or two."
Harry's visit was in his capacity as patron of The English Rugby All Schools campaign. The campaign, supported by the Rugby Football Union, aims to increase the amount of rugby played in secondary schools, to 750 schools and 1million children by the Rugby World Cup in 2019, and to encourage new players to join local clubs.
Harry delighted a group of youngsters in 2013 when he took to the rugby pitch to coach their training session at Twickenham. While Harry showed off his impressive skill set, England World Cup winner Jason Robinson assisted the royal in the training session, and joked that Harry could try out for the national team.
"We're looking for a winger or a full-back," said Jason. "I'll be looking to see what you've got."
"I think I'm a bit past it already," replied a modest Harry.
