Rugby enthusiasts from seven Oxfordshire schools received expert advice from the Dark Blues stars at Oxford University RFC’s seventh annual schools' coaching afternoon.

Squads of players from Oxford Academy, St Gregory the Great, Bartholomew (Eynsham), Marlborough (Woodstock), Wheatley Park, Cheney (Oxford) and Cherwell (Oxford) had a special session at the historic Iffley Road ground with the university’s director of rugby, Steve Hill, and members of the Blues squad.

“It was great,” said Hill. “The Blues players are happy to give up their time to come and pass on their knowledge to youngsters from the local schools.

“A number of these pupils have and will come down to support the Blues' matches and it is great OURFC can give something back to the local rugby community.

“Considering all these Blues players are recovering from a tough match against Saracens, it was a fantastic effort on their part.”

Matt Maudsley, head of rugby at Cherwell, said: “This is a fantastic annual event and we are very grateful to the OURFC players who have taken their time to pass on their expertise and knowledge to the boys.”