Tindall was at Minsterworth Primary School in Gloucester, the 500th school to join the programme, which was launched in January 2007 and is one of the most comprehensive rugby programmes in the world.

He fielded questions from a pupil assembly and joined in a coaching session with pupils held by Premier Rugby and the Gloucester Community Development team.

Mike Tindall, EDF Energy rugby ambassador said: "I'm delighted to be helping to celebrate that 50,000 children have been introduced to rugby through the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme in just a year. The enthusiasm of the youngsters at Minsterworth School really does show the benefits of such a comprehensive programme.

"We need to bring rugby to new audiences and to give children a taste of the game at an early age. Tag rugby is a brilliant way of getting kids into rugby and helping them get fit and healthy. When you provide quality coaching and the right equipment, and have teachers and children who are keen, then you stand a really good chance of laying solid foundations for the future of the sport."

The EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme will introduce 112,000 8-10 year olds to the sport through tag rugby by July 2009. Tag rugby is a non-contact version of the sport that teaches the skills necessary to go on and play rugby union. Every Guinness Premiership and two National League One sides are involved through coaching at schools.

Louise Poole, EDF Energy's Head of Brand, said: "EDF Energy is supporting rugby from the grassroots to the elite. The programme is very important because it is helping to secure the new generation a decade down the line.


"These 112,000 children are at the perfect age to get excited about the game, and pick up the basic skills to go on and play and support rugby for years to come. Through the programme, we hope future England stars and thousands of club players and fans will emerge."

Angie Ritchie, Headteacher of Minsterworth Primary School, said: "It was wonderful to have Mike Tindall at the school as part of the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme. We are delighted to be named as the 500th school to join the programme.

"I think it is great that this programme is working to make sure there are future generations of rugby fans and players. Participation in sport is very important because of the health and social benefits and the earlier you get children hooked the better. It's vital to encourage children to take up new sports through programmes like this."

Dozens more schools join the programme every half-term. The latest 85 started this week, across the country. Gloucester will work with youngsters at six schools including Minsterworth Primary School over the next six weeks.

EDF Energy, Premier Rugby's Community Partner, also supplies equipment, including tag belts and balls, so schools can carry on playing the sport for years to come.

Premier Rugby's Community Manager Wayne Morris added, "The EDF Energy National Schools Rugby programme has been a tremendous success. Through the programme we are able to cater for everyone, either just by using rugby as a method of getting children to participate in physical activity or for those more interested in rugby, by introducing them to some of the skills necessary to play and enjoy the game."

The government has also recognised the achievements of the programme, with the National Sports Foundation awarding a grant of almost £200,000.

Players from every club in the programme have visited schools, helping with coaching and regional festivals. Twenty schools will go through from regional festivals to play in demonstration games at the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals at the Millennium Stadium on March 22 and final at Twickenham Stadium on April 12.