Matthew was delighted to join Education Secretary Nicky Morgan at Goldbeaters Primary School in Burnt Oak to launch a scheme using the skills of rugby coaches to help character building in children and young people.

Saracens coaches and former Premiership stars Hugh Vyvyan and Chris Bell were at the launch to introduce pupils to the basic rugby skills that improve discipline, teamwork and resilience.

In the year of England hosting the Rugby World Cup, the Government is funding 14 professional clubs to design and deliver programmes. Through the scheme, all 12 Aviva Premiership clubs, plus London Welsh and Bristol, will work with local pupils in disadvantaged areas.

Matthew said: “Rugby is the perfect sport to teach character education because it’s built on teamwork, respect, discipline and sportsmanship as well as enjoyment. Bringing these core values into the classroom and into a child’s life early on has the potential to make a huge difference to their future lives. I encourage as many schools as possible to take part in this project.”

Children at Goldbeaters enjoyed both classroom and playing field-based activities. They were split into groups for sessions on leadership and teamwork delivered by a Saracens coach in the classroom, before venturing out to the playing field for ice-breaker rugby games, one-on-one skill games and small-sided matches.