Pupil takes centre stage at Twickenham

Jake Haynes from Lightcliffe Academy had a special day out at Twickenham Stadium, appearing on the pitch before kick-off at the RBS 6 Nations England versus Ireland match.

He represented his school as part of the CBRE All Schools programme, an England Rugby initiative to get more state secondary schools playing rugby, and was wearing a bespoke rugby shirt which was designed by a group of pupils from his school at a Canterbury Kit Design workshop.

The day began with a presentation of their new rugby shirts and the students were introduced to Bath Rugby player and CBRE All Schools ambassador Dave Attwood, who shared his experiences of playing for his country and what pulling on the England shirt means to him.

The students made their way outside to form a guard of honour from the Lion Gate to the Spirit of Rugby to welcome the England and Ireland teams as they arrived at the stadium and took 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. Hopefully some special memories were made.”