Pupils from three Birmingham schools enjoyed a day to remember at Twickenham on Saturday as they paraded as flagbearers on the pitch ahead of England’s NatWest 6 Nations clash with Wales.

The opportunity was afforded to them thanks to their involvement in the CBRE All Schools programme this season.

Launched in 2012, the initiative has been developed by the RFU to increase the amount of rugby played in schools, encourage new players to join local clubs and create a positive legacy through the sport and its core values.

Last autumn representatives from the RFU’s official partner Canterbury conducted kit-design workshops around the country, one of which was attended by Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, Q3 Academy and Yardleys School. The bespoke kit designed by the pupils will be delivered to the schools in the coming weeks for the teams to play in for the rest of the season and years to come.

Stepping out onto the hallowed turf of Rugby HQ with a packed Twickenham crowd watching on, 16-year-old Archbishop pupil Callum Cain, from Kingshurst, said it was a day he will not forget in a hurry.

“My brother used to play rugby and I used to go to his games when I was younger. When I found out I was old enough to then get involved and I’ve loved every minute since. I play at prop,” said Callum.

“I like rugby because you get to work with a team and the fun of running out and playing with your friends is enjoyable too.”

The schools were three of 80 to make the trip to South West London having been a part of the CBRE All Schools programme this season.

The initiative aims to take rugby into 750 state secondary schools by 2019 and ahead of the match pupils were treated to a lunch and photoshoot with England internationals Ellis Genge and Harriet Millar-Mills, as well as being given new Canterbury kit to wear as flagbearers.

“I can’t wait for us to get the kit the school designed. To meet Ellis [Genge] was a great experience, he is a fantastic player. I never thought I’d get the chance to meet someone like him,” said 15-year-old Ahrdil Sharif, a pupil at Yardleys School in Tyseley.

“It’s such an honour to come down to Twickenham and have the chance to stand on the pitch. It’s something I will never forget.”

Ahead of Saturday’s 12-6 win for England, Genge gave a talk to the visiting schools about what rugby has done for their life and how the sport’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship can apply to many real-life situations – not just on the rugby field.

“When I was younger we didn’t go too far but some of these schools have travelled from all over the country to come down here, so it’s a great day all round,” said Genge.

“It’s great to see all of the young rugby players from around the country coming together as one.

“Some of these kids would never have had the chance to come to Twickenham so it’s a wonderful opportunity in that respect and they all seemed to make the most of it.”

CBRE All Schools supported by Canterbury is one of the RFU’s key legacy programmes, set up to increase the number of state secondary schools playing rugby union in England. Visit www.englandrugby.com/allschools to find out more