Wasps and England star Josh Lewsey has thrown his weight behind a campaign aimed at using rugby to help pupils gain qualifications and go on to find work.

The 2003 World Cup winner met pupils from the West London Academy taking part in a tag rugby tournament at the University of Westminster through a joint initiative with Six Nations sponsor RBS and The Prince’s Trust.

Lewsey said: “Young people struggling at school can gain self esteem, motivation and social skills from sport. Rugby is based on team values, respect and motivation, bringing together individuals to create a winning team. In the same way, this initiative will improve attendance, self-esteem and social skills, helping young people in their last two years of compulsory education move forward.”

Ten Greater London schools competed in the tournament. The winners, Chiswick Community School, will go on to forming the guard of honour at the England V Ireland game on March 15th  at Twickenham.

Community rugby coaches from the Rugby Football Union conducted a warm-up session, refereed the matches and lent a helping hand with the laws and other aspects of playing and coaching.

The RBS 6 Nations with The Prince’s Trust initiative offers 14 to16 year-olds who are at risk of truanting or under-achievement an introduction to the game of rugby through multiple tag rugby sessions, access to players and educational materials; as well as coaching from union staff on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.