TWO STUDENTS from separate Coventry schools had a day to remember at Twickenham Stadium as they were invited to a special day out.
Ben Mangan from Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School and Kieran Dixon from Grace Academy appeared on the pitch before kick-off at the RBS 6 Nations game between England and Ireland on Saturday (February 27).
The students represented their school as part of the CBRE All Schools programme – an England Rugby initiative to get more state secondary schools playing rugby.
100 schools in the programme were selected to attend the workshops, each designing a rugby shirt for their school team.
Canterbury then produced the schools designs with the final result being unveiled on the pitch in front of an 82,000 crowd.
With one pupil representing each school, the day began with a presentation of their new rugby shirts and the students were introduced to Bath rugby player and BCRE All Schools ambassador, Dave Attwood.
Dave, who also designed his own rugby shirt at one of the Canterbury kit design workshops, said: “It was great to meet the students and to listen to them talking about their experiences of designing their own school’s rugby shirts.
“This is a fantastic initiative and I am proud to be an ambassador of a programme aimed at giving youngsters the chance to play rugby.”
After meeting Dave, the students made their way outside to form a guard of honour from the Lion Gate to the Sport of Rugby to welcome the England and Ireland teams as they arrived at the stadium.
The day finished with the students taking centre stage to sing the national anthem with Official England Rugby anthem singer Laura Wright.
Chris Stephenson, CEO of Canterbury said: “This is our third year as Official Partner of the CBRE All Schools programme – something we are extremely proud to be part of.
“I know the students felt immense pride in wearing a shirt that they designed at such a huge game.”
