A YOUNG rugby fan from Ladybridge High School got the experience of a lifetime when they unveiled their school’s new Canterbury rugby shirt in front of thousands at Twickenham ahead of England’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy.

The opportunity came as part of the CBRE All Schools programme, launched in 2012 by the Rugby Football Union, which aims to get more state secondary schools playing rugby and encourage students to join local clubs.

Josh Parry was one of 100 students from across England who took to the pitch before kick-off, unveiling their school's newly designed shirts ahead of the national anthems.

The 14-year-old admitted the whole day – which also saw him meet CBRE All Schools Ambassador and England international Billy Vunipola, line up on the pitch for the anthems and then sit in the crowd afterwards for the action – would live long in the memory.

“It was great to be at Twickenham, I got to see the team I have grown up watching and that I look up to which was great,” said Josh, who was joined by his teacher Geddy Parkinson.

“It’s by far my most favourite sport, I play in school and outside of school, whenever I can really.

“It was great, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be on the pitch with all those people watching and I thought it was great.

“I love the shirt and it’s a big improvement on the last one, with bright colours to make it way more visible.”

Each shirt was individually designed by the school children at Canterbury kit design workshops last year.

Pupils worked with Canterbury to learn about the core values of rugby, the pride associated with the shirt and the importance of colours, logos and emblems.

England and Saracens No 8 Vunipola was also on hand at the kit unveil to share his experience of what it means to represent England, the importance of the shirt and take centre stage at Twickenham on match day.

“It’s great to see more state secondary schools getting involved in rugby through the CBRE All Schools programme,” he said.

“The atmosphere in Twickenham on match day is very special and it’s fantastic that the students got to experience it first-hand. Who knows, maybe one of them will be playing for England one day!”

Chris Stephenson, CEO of Canterbury, added: “This is our fourth year as Official Partner of the All Schools programme – something we are extremely proud to be part of.

“The students did their schools proud by wearing a shirt they designed at such a huge game. Hopefully some special memories were made.”

CBRE All Schools supported by Canterbury is one of the RFU’s key legacy programmes, set up to increase the number of state secondary schools playing rugby union in England. Visit www.englandrugby.com/allschools to find out more.