Young players from Reading Rugby Club were delighted to pick up some top rugby tips and advice from England & London Irish scrum half Paul Hodgson at Holme Park tonight (Tuesday).

The very special coaching session saw around 40 young players from the club learn some of the skills that have helped London Irish to the top of the Aviva Premiership this season. The session was arranged to celebrate Reading’s new status as an Official Club Partner of the Exiles who play their home games at the Madjeski Stadium in Reading.

Paul then led a training session with the Reading under 13s team followed by a question and answer session for the boys who grilled him about his career so far, his diet, groupies and what really goes on in the changing room before a big game! He then presented the boys with their new match shirts which are the first in the country to feature the Official London Irish Club Partner logo along with that of The Oracle® who sponsor the youth section at Reading.

Paul praised the facilities and coaching at Reading as being “a first class set-up and a great way to introduce young players to the game of rugby” and who knows perhaps one or two of those present will be the ones running out at Twickenham in the years ahead!

Amanda Newman Youth Chairman at Reading said “We were delighted to welcome Paul to our club which is further proof of our ambition to be the best place for youth rugby in Berkshire. Already this year we have been recognised by The Rugby Football Union who along with Sport England awarded the prestigious Whole Club Seal of Approval to the club and this partnership with London Irish is another huge step forward in our plans for the future.”

The club are currently offering a four week free trial to anyone aged 6-16 who would like to give rugby a go – for more details please contact youthmembership@readingrfc.co.uk