Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex will be the first areas to benefit, with London Irish and NEC Harlequins set to work with schools in these counties over the next three years. Clubs will begin working with the first schools in January.

London Irish today launched the programme in the South East, at Frogmore Junior School, Camberley, in Surrey.

Bob Casey, London Irish second-row said "It’s important to get children involved in rugby from an early age where they can pick up the basic skills of the game and have fun.

“London Irish are particularly pleased to be involved in the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme as it is one of the largest of its kind in World Rugby and can really make a difference to a large number of children.  Not only is it an enjoyable experience for children who take part in it but we could well be helping to develop the rugby stars of the future."

Around 60 children from Frogmore Primary School were involved in today’s launch, taking part in a tag rugby coaching session led by London Irish.

Andi Price, acting headteacher, said “We’re delighted to help launch this programme. Our children already play tag rugby and it’s a fantastic introduction to a great sport. Hopefully more local children will now have the opportunity to get involved.”

The programme is one of the most comprehensive in world rugby and will involve close to 100,000 9-10 year olds and teachers at primary schools across England. Schools where rugby has never been played before will be targeted.

The EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme will be aimed at boys and girls aged 9-10. Tag rugby is a non-contact version of the sport that teaches the skills necessary to go on and play rugby union.

Not only will the programme give children an introduction to rugby union through the tag rugby version of the sport, but it will also ensure that teachers receive quality coaching and provide enough equipment to leave a rugby legacy in schools for years to come.

Louise Poole, EDF Energy's Head of Brand, said: “We’re really excited about the new programme and becoming Premier Rugby’s Community Partner. We are committed to rugby at all levels from the EDF Energy Cup to the grassroots and want to make sure our involvement leaves a lasting legacy for hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of children.
 
“This is about getting children involved in rugby and making sure as many schools as possible have the teachers trained to coach and the right equipment to play the game for years to come. Children need role models and so it’s great that Premiership players are going to be involved throughout the programme.”

Schools will also have the chance to play in local tag rugby festivals and regional South East finals. Each year some schools will go on to take part in tag rugby demonstrations at the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals at the Millennium Stadium and then the final at Twickenham.

Each Premiership club will work with over 100 schools during the three year programme. The programme targets areas across the country, including the South and South West of England, London and the Midlands.

Premier Rugby’s Community Manager, Wayne Morris, said: “This programme will reach out to nearly 100,000 children over its three years and will be supported by high profile players, like Jason Robinson and Jonny Wilkinson. In fact, on average, a Premier Rugby player will visit a school every day of the three year programme.”

The deal will run alongside the company’s sponsorship of the EDF Energy Cup.

Click here to find out more about the schools programme