Launched in October, the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme represents a significant investment (£2 million) by Aviva into the grass roots level of the game. Resources will go towards supporting over 15,000 man hours of coaching and reaching more than 36,000 pupils aged 9 -11 years old from 600 primary schools in England over each of the next four seasons.

The Teacher Education Programme specifically focuses on the giving teachers the tools they need to develop the basics of rugby within local schools. The two hour course for two members of staff per participating school includes a number of practical based activities, including handling drills, small sided games and tag rugby rules of play. Each participating school will also be provided with a tag resource booklet along with balls and tag sets.

James Percival said: "There's no doubt that some of the most famous sporting careers have been kick-started by an inspirational teacher or coach. If we can provide teachers with the core skills to coach rugby in schools then we'll have more youngsters playing the game and that can only be good for rugby. That's what the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme is all about - reaching a broader audience."

Nicola Paris teacher at St Joseph's said: "I think the majority of teachers are sometimes quite nervous about coaching a sport, especially when they've had no previous training. Having James and coaches from Harlequins explain and demonstrate the core skills of rugby have really helped and I think tag rugby is a fantastic game for young kids and can play a vital role in their development."