Prince Harry teaches rugby girls (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Prince Harry teaches rugby girls

RUGBY mad Prince Harry gave the girls a few tips during a top secret visit to a Cirencester school this week.

The young Royal has become an assistant rugby development officer with the Rugby Football Union and is touring schools and colleges during his gap year coaching youngsters.

On Monday, delighted pupils at Kingshill School welcomed the Prince when he paid them a surprise visit and spent the day giving advice to female players.

Headteacher Christine Oates said: "It was a very exciting day for the school and everyone really enjoyed it.

"We assume Prince Harry enjoyed it himself and we hope it happens again."

The prince, who attended every England game during last year's Rugby World Cup and famously hugged team manager Sir Clive Woodward's wife as the side marched on to glory, is helping raise the profile of the game throughout the UK.

And, as Prince Harry is, like his older brother William, seen by many girls as a modern day pin-up, his visit to Kingshill on Monday is sure to have struck a chord with the female players he coached.

The Royal spent time with players from both Kingshill and Ann Edwards Primary School in South Cerney.

He also passed on tips to members of the Cotswold District under 14 side, which includes girls from Kingshill, Sir William Romney's School, Tetbury; Farmor's School, Fairford; Cotswold School, Bourton-on-the-Water; and Cirencester Deer Park School.

One of the players Leanne Chaisty said: "I couldn't believe that it was Prince Harry as were not told that he was coming. He was really helpful and taught me a lot."

While Kingshill head of PE Matt Coe added: "The day was a tremendous boost for the girls and the game as a whole. Everyone who took part had a day they will never forget."

* We are unable to bring you pictures of the visit as it was kept secret beforehand and Buckingham Palace has vetoed the issue of photographs to any newspaper.