A SCHOOL has drafted in a professional rugby player to drum up support for the sport.

Blenheim Primary School, Blenheim Road, Orpington, is being helped by a player from London's Harlequins Rugby League Club.

Pupils aged between eight and 11 years old will take part in the weekly sessions until the end of term.

The school hopes to encourage the children to begin an after-school rugby club, which will also be coached by Iain Lane, a second team squad player with the Harlequins.

PE co-ordinator Amanda Spurrell said: "We are trying to expose the kids to a new sport as we have never had rugby at the school before."

The scheme is being led by Croydon based rugby league club South London Storm, which has contracted Mr Lane to coach in schools.

Development manager Rob Powell said: "Our aim is to increase participation and awareness of rugby. At the moment there is no provision in Bromley for rugby league."