LUCKY youngsters from Bridgwater were among those welcomed to Twickenham Stadium to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The day was set out to celebrate Old Mutual Wealth Kids First, an RFU led initiative that is transforming rugby for children up and down the country.

The Bridgwater convoy which featured players from the Under 7 to Under 13 boys and girls set off at 7am arriving in London just before 11am.

While at Twickenham, the youngsters were joined by England’s Alex Goode, fresh from his appearance for the Barbarians at the Old Mutual Wealth Cup the day before, and former players David Flatman and Ugo Monye, who were lending their support to the coaches and passing on their tips to the next generation of the sport.

Each child present had the incredible opportunity to be taken on the journey of an England player for the day. This experience began as they boarded the England team bus and were driven to the famous Lion Gate at Twickenham.

They alighted the team bus and entered the England changing room to receive a rousing team talk from former England international David Flatman.

The chance to run out of the Twickenham tunnel onto the pitch of the country’s premier rugby stadium is a privilege usually reserved for England’s elite players. On this special day, the children taking part then had the chance to experience this unique honour as they lined up in the Twickenham tunnel before sprinting out to the cheers and applause of their friends and families.

The youngsters then lined the touchline and faced the growing crowd as they sung the national anthem at the top of their voices before playing a range of fun Old Mutual Wealth Kids First games. To complete their amazing experience, the young players entered the Royal Box to lift the Old Mutual Wealth Cup and were presented with a medal to take home as a memento of their day.

England star Alex Goode said: “I still remember the first time I ran out onto the Twickenham pitch and I’m sure that all of the children taking part today will never forget this incredible experience. It was great fun to be part of their day and pass on my tips to the next generation of English rugby player.”