Rugby shirts designed by Sittingbourne Community College pupils have been given a royal seal of approval.

Three sports-mad youngsters from the Swanstree Avenue college travelled to Twickenham to meet Prince Harry.

It was part of a Rugby Football Union (RFU) project which will provide funding to help develop the game in schools.

As well as enjoying a tour of Twickenham, which included a look at the royal box and the famous pitch, the Year 9 and 10 students designed a shirt for the college.

The prototype white jersey with burgundy camouflage went down well with the Prince, a big rugby fan, so it was decided to add a HRH logo to signify his support.

The following day, the RFU confirmed the extra lettering had been given Palace assent.

The shirts, which are being made by England’s kit supplier, Canterbury of New Zealand, will be delivered to the college in February.

Ten schools from London and the South East were invited to rugby HQ after successfully bidding to be part of the RFU’s All Schools programme.

The scheme is designed to increase the game’s presence in playgrounds and to encourage new players to join local clubs.

As well as meeting royalty, pupils were introduced to rugby VIPs in the form of two of England’s 2003 World Cup winners, Jason Robinson and Jason Leonard.

Matt Stevens, a PE teacher at the college, who accompanied the youngsters on the trip, said: “It was a day all three said they would never forget. Prince Harry was really chatty and friendly, and really good with all the youngsters.

“He asked us how we came up with the shirt’s design and the students gave excellent answers.

“He also asked what we do with rugby in our school and he sounded really interested, which is good. He added: “We can’t wait to play in the new shirts.”