World Cup-winning scrum half Matt Dawson passed on tips and answered questions during a visit to his academy at Abingdon School yesterday.

Dawson, who won the trophy with England in 2003, sought to inspire youngsters during a day that also saw him attend sessions in High Wycombe, Swindon and Stroud.

He said: “This was how I started getting into rugby, going to camps like this.

“We are making sure they learn the basic skills, but also looking to give them some flair that they can work on.

“I went around all the groups, watched their drills and gave them some feedback.

“In the Q&A session, there were all the expected questions, but I was also asked how much a rugby player earns and how many girlfriends they are allowed.”

Dawson, who is a team captain on Question of Sport, has had many television roles in recent years, but still has a lot of time for the oval ball.

With the Premiership starting again next month, Dawson believes anyone from Northampton, Leicester, Saracens, Bath, London Irish or Wasps could be champions.

And with England winning in Australia this summer, he is optimistic about the 2011 World Cup.

Dawson said: “New Zealand are deservedly No 1 in the world, but you could say England are playing above their ranking of sixth.

“We have got some good young players with guys like Ben Youngs and Danny Care battling it out at scrum half.

“There is every reason to be a little bit more positive.”

  • THE Matt Dawson Rugby Academy takes place in partnership with The Co-operative.

For more information or to book a place, contact Activate Sport on 0800 345 7480 or visit www.co-operative.coop/activatesport