Ross was also joined by London Wasps and Scotland international Hugo Southwell at the event at the University in High Wycombe, organised by students studying BA (Hons) Sports Management and Rugby Studies.

WheelPower is the national charity for wheelchair sport, based at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the national centre for disability sport and the birthplace of the Paralympic games.

Ross answered questions on aspects including his thoughts on the future of the game, England's Rugby World Cup campaign in New Zealand and his predictions for the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship.

He said: "It is interesting to get a different perspective, to hear what Hugo and Dick are saying and also to see how much the game of rugby clearly means to everyone in the audience. Perhaps I may also have inspired some new Quins fans to come and cheer us on at the Stoop!

"I have carried out a few similar engagements but this is a new environment for me - coming in to a University - and speaking to many lads in the audience who are about my age! It is good to give something back and also help to raise money for a great charity like WheelPower."

Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower, said the fundraiser had been a 'fantastic initiative' by the students and thanked the panel for attending.

He added: "The money raised from this event will go a long way towards helping a lot of disabled children and adults and make a difference to transforming their lives. We are fantastically grateful to the students for organising it and to Dick, Ross and Hugo for taking part."