Ex-Fylde and England rugby captain, Bill Beaumont, returned from the World Cup in Australia with a clear view about the implications of Clive Woodward’s team’s magnificent triumph.

“England’s win will give rugby an enormous public profile. Those of us running the game have a tremendous legacy and a window of opportunity to expand the sport in all sorts of ways,” he said. “Within the community, rugby offers a great deal to people. Clubs like Fylde make everyone welcome and I expect them to be packed out with kids in England strips throwing balls and using kicking tees.

“Rugby is the ultimate team sport and provides an ideal environment in which young people can learn and develop. You only have to look at the way in which the England players present themselves both on and off the pitch to see this.”

Fylde RFC spokesman Allan Foster said, “People in the area and all over the north will have an opportunity to spot future Jonny Wilkinsons and Martin Johnsons when England Under 19s play Scotland at the Woodlands on Friday, January 16th, kicking off at 2pm. We’re expecting a big crowd.”