A Letchworth teenager proudly represented his school on the field at Twickenham before England’s Six Nations clash with Italy on Sunday.
Ben Galvin, who is 13 and in Year 8 at Fearnhill School, was one of 100 students from across England picked to unveil their schools’ new rugby kits in front of 82,000 fans.
Ben was picked to represent Fearnhill because of his commitment to rugby – and Fearnhill head Liz Ellis told the Comet the whole school was proud to see one of their own on the hallowed Twickenham turf, singing the national anthem.
She said: “It was a wonderful opportunity for Ben to attend this event and represent Fearnhill. We are very proud of him.”
Ben was greeted on arrival at Twickenham by England player Billy Vunipola, and then rehearsed his entrance onto the pitch, ensuring he was immaculately dressed in Fearnhill’s striking new rugby kit.
After the national anthem he watched from the stands as England ran out 36-15 victors.
Ben’s opportunity came through Fearnhill’s involvement in the Rugby Football Union’s CBRE All Schools project, which has given the school new equipment and the support of RFU coaches.
The three-year link also gave the school the chance to design its new kit, made bespoke by Canterbury – and first worn on Sunday by Ben.
Ms Ellis said: “Our ongoing relationship with the RFU brings great benefits to all students at the school and we have been delighted by the way our students have engaged with the coaches and activities they have offered.”
Fearnhill PE head Adam Marsh echoed Ms Ellis’ sentiments, adding that rugby was undergoing something of a renaissance at the school.
Mr Marsh said: “What a proud moment it was to have one of the Fearnhill students on the pitch before the game!
“Ben was selected to represent the school due to his commitment and enthusiasm for rugby, which has been a constant since arriving at Fearnhill.
“The growth of rugby has been a real success this year.
“The engagement from students is at the highest it has been since I arrived three years ago, and I look forward to it growing even further.
“The bespoke kit created for us by Canterbury, which Ben was wearing, has been the icing on the cake to top off a year of success for rugby union at Fearnhill.”
To find out more about the school see fearnhill.herts.sch.uk.
For more about the All Schools project, see englandrugby.com/allschools.
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