Knebworth man Andy Stonehouse is busy fulfilling his role as development officer for the England Deaf Rugby Union. Profoundly deaf Stonehouse, also team manager for the first XV at Hitchin Rugby Club, visited Heathlands School for the Deaf in St Albans on

Knebworth man Andy Stonehouse is busy fulfilling his role as development officer for the England Deaf Rugby Union.

Profoundly deaf Stonehouse, also team manager for the first XV at Hitchin Rugby Club, visited Heathlands School for the Deaf in St Albans on Friday.

He conducted a question and answer session with an assembly hall full of deaf children and teachers.

David Seymour, a professional rugby player with Saracens, also demonstrated some skills to the deaf children.

The school has already started its rugby training by Saracens as part of the community rugby programme including the schools' tag rugby scheme.

It is hoped Heathlands will be the first deaf school in Hertfordshire to enter the schools' tag rugby festival this winter.

Stonehouse said: "It was a good opportunity for me to meet David Seymour and the Saracens Foundation.

"I will be in contact with them to provide similar to this to the other schools around in the Herts and Middlesex area."

Five deaf children came along to the Fun Rugby Day at Hitchin on Sunday.

Stonehouse provided a coaching session to the children including how to pass the ball and how to tackle as well as tag rugby.

The children all received goodie bags and certificates.

Another session will be held in late January at Hitchin Rugby Club.