Last updated at 15:41, Friday, 19 October 2012

Scotland's best rugby league stars showcased their skills for Workington school pupils.

TEAM PLAYERS: Stainburn pupils with members of the Scotland rugby league team

Nine internationals, including Workington Town’s Brett Carter, who is now the Scotland coach, took over a year nine PE lesson at Stainburn School to teach the pupils some of the tricks of professional rugby league.

Scotland were in West Cumbria training at the Cumbria Sports Academy, in Whitehaven, ahead of their Alitalia European Cup match against Ireland in Edinburgh last Sunday.

The trip was also a chance for the team to test out the facilities in the area and to engage with the community before they play Tonga and Italy in the 2013 World Cup at Workington’s Derwent Park next October.

Dave Rotheram, Scotland coach and a former Workington Town coach, said: “We want the local community on our side in the World Cup. We want West Cumbria to adopt us as their side.

“The kids seemed to have enjoyed it and the players have enjoyed working with them.”

The Scotland coaches and players put the pupils through their paces with some fitness, passing and kicking drills.

Teacher Mal Holliday said: “It’s excellent. The kids know a few of them, so they are really pleased.

“Having the World Cup games here in Workington is a real boost and today will increase the kids interest for when they are here playing.”

First published at 11:52, Friday, 19 October 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk