FOUR London Irish rugby stars took time out of their busy schedules to take part in a record-breaking grass roots training session with young Swanage and Wareham players.

The Guinness Premiership stars, including Bournemouth born Ben Stevenson, Richard Thorpe, Charlie Gower and fly half Jamie Lennard, took an active part in the coaching sessions before signing autographs and answering questions from some of the 123 youngsters taking part.

The event, at Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club, marked the start of three days of masterclass sessions at Wareham’s Bestwall Road facility.

Jamie Lennard, who recently joined London Irish from Doncaster Knights, said: “I’ve been very impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of all the players, and after years of being coached it’s great to be doing the coaching for a change.”

This is the fourth year the Purbeck club has played host to London Irish.

Swanage and Wareham’s club secretary Terrie Connor said: “All the boys had a fantastic time – our players and team coaches all took something away from the day."

Early next year Swanage and Wareham’s players and their families will travel to Reading Football Club’s Madejski Stadium – London Irish’s home –to enjoy a live league game, hospitality and meet more first team players.

London Irish community marketing manager Zoe Bishop said: “This is the largest amount of attendees we’ve ever had at one of our master classes, which we are all really pleased about.

“We’ve been running master classes with our community club partners Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club for the past three years and we always receive a warm welcome here, not to mention being able to coach some very talented young players.

“This year was no exception and we look forward to watching them all progress as players over the coming years.”