RUGBY legend Sir Gareth Edwards has endorsed a scheme to help budding young stars get into the sport.

Rugbytots is the world’s favourite rugby play programme for young children as young as two, who are taught the virtues of working as a team while building their self-confidence and learning about discipline.

Franchisee, Gareth Turnbull, has brought the initiative to the county – receiving praise from Sir Gareth, scorer of 20 tries in 53 games for Wales.

He said: "Learning the basics and coordination as well as playing as a team is vitally important at that young age. I wish Gareth every success with Rugbytots in Weymouth and Dorchester.”

Rugbytots was started 14 years ago by rugby-loving father Max Webb, who saw the opportunity to provide something more professional than merely passing a ball around with his son.

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It is his most important role, as a father to Jack, five, and three-year-old Harry, that has helped Turnbull understand the specialist teaching needed to gain the concentration and trust of very young children.

A graduate in sports and business, Turnbull said: “I am a parent of two boys and come from a rugby family. I was also born in an era when kids were always outside climbing trees and riding bikes.

"This experience has driven me to bring the benefits of Rugbytots to children across the county.

"I have always been blown away by the confidence and great attitude that young rugby players have and how these positive skills impact their lives and opportunities far beyond the game.”

Rugbytots classes will take place at the Marsh Playing fields and Poundbury, accommodating three age groups with parents actively encouraged to participate, especially in the toddler class.

Children should be prepared to run across the jungle, wade through quicksand or sprint through Rugbytots Valley avoiding all the smoking boulders!

Turnbull added: “The kids love learning new skills and sharing that experience with their parents – it is a lovely thing for parents to do with their children.

“We use lots of analogies. To get the two-year-olds to open their hands in the right position, we say you need to ‘clap your hands and open your book’ and then ‘cuddle it like a teddy bear’ to encourage them to hold the ball tight.”

New members are warmly welcomed to the team. Contact gareth@rugbytots.co.uk or visit www.rugbytots.co.uk for more information.