The England and Newcastle Falcons centre gave youngsters at Hounslow Heath Junior School in London a world class taste of rugby as part of the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme.

The World Cup star fielded questions from a packed 400 pupil assembly and joined in a coaching session with pupils held by Premier Rugby and Harlequins.

“Following all our success at the Rugby World Cup it’s encouraging that supporters of the game like EDF Energy are seeing the need to lay foundations for future success right now,” said Tait, who celebrates his 22nd birthday next week on February 6.

“Who knows, the programme could be introducing the sport to a future England rugby player as we speak.”

Tait is an ambassador for the EDF Energy scheme, one of the most comprehensive rugby programmes in the world, introducing around 112,000 more boys and girls to the sport, through the tag rugby version of the game.

Every Guinness Premiership side as well as National League One clubs Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs are involved.

The government has also recognised the achievements of the programme, with the National Sports Foundation awarding a grant of almost £200,000, so even more children and schools can benefit.

Tait, speaking after being given the run around by dozens of youngsters in a tag rugby session, said: “The enthusiasm of the kids for rugby is fantastic. It’s brilliant that EDF Energy are supporting this and really taking advantage of the wave of enthusiasm after the World Cup.

“Just from a character point of view, support is important for other things, like leadership and communications, and for the social side, making loads of friends, and it’s obviously important for kids to be active and enjoying themselves.”

And he knows from personal experience how important it is to put in the work at grassroots, to ensure young talent continues to emerge.

“There are a lot of good young players in the Guinness Premiership at the moment. Just to single out one I know very well at Newcastle is Toby Flood, who people would have seen during the World Cup and is a really exciting player.”