by Peter Barnett

Love your sport and play it with passion - that was the message from England's rugby union World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson when he officially opened the £1.6 million sports hall at St Lawrence College, Ramsgate.

Now England Rugby Union coach, the 40-year-old told students, staff and guests: "Whatever level you play at, a love of the game is important. There is a sport out there for everyone to enjoy. To be the best you can is a great thing. I had passion, without which you'll never achieve anything."

He went on to talk about the value of sport in his life from an early age and said: "I can remember winning school games that were as important to me as national matches."

He explained that most of the international players he had come across in his career succeeded mainly through hard work.

After the formal opening and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, Martin spent the rest of the afternoon signing shirts, racquets and books and posing for photos with the students, parents and staff.

The rugby maestro's connection with the college is through housemaster Gary Davis, who taught Martin at his secondary school in Market Harborough and worked with his mother.

Headmaster Rev Mark Aitken described the school's special guest as "a true giant of a man, not just in terms of size but in his leadership."

He added: "Martin is an inspiration to others, especially when faced with overwhelming odds."