PREMIERSHIP rugby side London Irish visited Angley School, Cranbrook, on Wednesday, to celebrate the school winning sports college status.

About 100 students were involved in morning coaching sessions held by London Irish captain Ryan Strudwick and Paddy Gill along with development officer David Law.

The 11 to 18-year-olds were then given the opportunity to discuss life as a professional sportsman with their visitors, before practising what they’d learned on the playing fields in a specially staged afternoon tournament.

The Irish were joined by the Powergen Cup, which was brought to the school as part of a countrywide tour, allowing several students to have their photo taken with the silverware.

Ryan Strudwick said: “We were really looking forward to coming to Angley and working with the children.

London Irish is renowned for supporting grass roots rugby and hopefully each individual that participated will have taken something positive from the day.”

Sean Dowling, Director of PE and Community Sport at the school said: “We’re very grateful for the support of London Irish.

“All the pupils were looking forward to meeting the players and we’ll see them in action on March, 16th for the St Patrick’s Day match.”

London Irish, along with Harlequins, are the nearest Premiership Rugby club to Kent.