Pupils from Malmesbury School welcomed a professional rugby player to the school hall last week.

Professional Rugby Union player James Gibbons who works with CIC Sports for Champions, visited the school to inspire students to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.

James led the visit with a whole-school circuits class to show the pupils how anyone, no matter what their current fitness levels, can take that first step and achieve their goals.

He then gave a demonstration of their top sporting abilities, and brought medals to show the pupils.

“It was great to see the kids so excited and engaged," James said following his visit.

“Whether children are looking to start a new sport for fun or thinking of taking a chance on their dreams and taking their discipline to the next level, everyone can reap the benefits of exercise.”

Following the circuits class, James delivered a motivational talk, discussing his personal journey into sport and the obstacles he overcame, the benefits of exercise at any level and good nutrition and the physical and mental rewards of being fit and active.

Pupils were encouraged to ask him any questions about his professional career, his top sporting tips, how they themselves can become more active and the benefits it can bring.

Ceri Schofield, PE teacher at Malmesbury School, added: “It was wonderful to welcome James to Malmesbury.

"The children had already benefitted from the feeling of achievement of hard work and dedication after putting their heads together to fundraise, and we were delighted to see how they left the visit feeling energised about healthy living.”

Sports for Champions’ mission is to visit every school in the UK with their team of professional athletes to inspire children to lead a healthy lifestyle.

All athletes are unsponsored, with schools fundraising for both their athlete’s visit and to invest in more sporting equipment.

For more information on Sports for Champions -

sportsforchampions.com