Students in Gloucestershire, aged 14 – 18, now have the chance to develop their leadership skills and not only become ambassadors for Rugby World Cup 2015 but also organise activities that encourage their peers to play the game.

The lucky ambassadors will use their new leadership and communication skills to inform and excite students about rugby and the world cup through events, assemblies and competitions, as well as engage with surrounding primary schools.

The programme is in partnership with the Rugby Football Union and the Youth Sport Trust and was launched by England 2015 Ambassador, Will Greenwood and England Rugby player, Fran Matthews.

All schools in the county can get involved in the programme by visiting: http://www.youthsporttrust.org/how-we-can-help/rugby-world-cup-2015/school-rugby-ambassadors.aspx Schools involved in the programme will develop the personal, social and employability skills of its students. Ambassadors will learn how to effectively communicate, make decisions, lead, and work as a team, use their creativity and improve their organisational skills.

The programme suggests schools recruit four ambassadors, two female and two male, to work both within their own secondary school and with surrounding primary schools. These young people will be able to download supporting resources and receive newsletters with ideas and opportunities to inspire and engage them Cllr Paul McLain, cabinet member for younger people said: “For all young rugby fans out there – it really doesn’t get much better or bigger than this. We’ve got a fantastic tradition of rugby union in Gloucestershire, great sides competing at every level of the game and a brilliant fan base. Gloucester’s a Hosting City for the 2015 World Cup and you can feel the buzz already at Kingsholm. I know the reception we give the visiting teams will be the envy of the country.