Girls and boys from the London Scottish Junior Rugby section will form one of 13 Ball Teams who will play integral roles at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
The Ball Teams programme, run by England Rugby 2015 in conjunction with the RFU, invited clubs to nominate young players in recognition of their achievement and their commitment.
Their submissions included 250 words on the contribution that their club has made to the local rugby community and why they should be chosen as a Ball Team for Rugby World Cup 2015.
The lucky youngsters, who epitomise the values of the game, will be right at the heart of the action at the 13 venues and will have an important role in helping to keep each of the 48 matches flowing by collecting, replacing and delivering balls that have been passed or kicked off the field of play.
In total, 130 young players from across England and Wales will be given a chance to be part of the tournament.
The London Scottish Ball Team, which has yet to be finalised, will undergo a series of training sessions in preparation for the tournament before getting to work at matches held at Wembley Stadium.
England Rugby 2015 Managing Director, Steve Brown, said “We're extremely pleased to announce the 13 Ball Teams at our Rugby World Cup 2015 match venues.
“This is another great opportunity to involve young people in the tournament and they will play a vital role in helping to ensure that the 48 matches run smoothly.”
Steve Grainger, RFU Development Director, said: “The Ball Teams will be representing clubs from across the country and it is fantastic that they will be able to play such a pivotal role in Rugby World Cup 2015.
“This is a tournament that truly has rugby at its heart and initiatives like this will ensure a lasting legacy for our grassroots clubs.
“The young players selected will have already demonstrated outstanding commitment to their local clubs and deserve this recognition.
“They, and thousands of young people just like them in grassroots clubs all over England, are the future of our great sport.”
The young players selected are from the following rugby clubs.
Wembley Stadium, London – London Scottish FC
Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton – Lewes RFC
Elland Road, Leeds – Richmondshire RFC
Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester – Gloucester junior academy
Leicester City Stadium, Leicester – Market Harborough RUFC
Manchester City Stadium, Manchester – Manchester RFC and Bolton RFC
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff – current Ball Team made up of players from local clubs
Sandy Park, Exeter – Exeter Chiefs youth section
Stadium MK, Milton Keynes – Chesham RFC
St James' Park, Newcastle – Westoe RFC
The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London – Hackney Bulls Youth RFC and Eton Manor RFC
Twickenham Stadium, London – current Ball Team made up of players from local clubs
Villa Park, Birmingham – Sutton Coldfield RFC
