By James Gray

Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School pupil Felix Burrows admits he will never forget his moment in the spotlight after getting the chance to run out as one of Land Rover’s Rugby World Cup 2015 official mascots.

Rugby fan Burrows was handed the responsibility of walking out alongside Canada for their 50-7 Pool D defeat by Ireland at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

It came after the Blackheath RFC U13 player was informed that following an audition at the Wasps Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup last season, he had been chosen as one of 96 official Rugby World Cup mascots.

And while emotions were high ahead of running out in front of thousands of spectators, Burrows carried out his job superbly, walking out with the teams and then lining up in front of the Canada players for the national anthems.

His memorable day out continued when he then took a seat in the crowd to cheer on the action, with Burrows admitting he couldn’t have asked for a better experience of Rugby World Cup 2015.

“The whole day was really exciting, we had to get there early to do the rehearsals and then get ready to walk out with the players,” said the 13-year-old.

“I ‘d say I was a combination of nerves and excitement but it was so exhilarating walking out in front of that many people.

“You couldn’t hear anything else apart from the screams of the crowd and people banging, my heart rate was certainly going.

“It was my first ever time in Wales too so that was a good experience, it’s a nice place.

“For my audition I had to give some advice to a team so I said they should follow the three Ps – pride, passion and performance.

“My family and friends are all really proud of me and happy for me, I’m never going to forget it.”

Land Rover’s selection of mascots from around the country forms part of their ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign that aims to put grassroots rugby on the global stage during this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Lawrence Dallaglio is one man who knows about the pressure of performing in front of a large audience, having helped England lift the trophy in 2003, and the Land Rover ambassador admitted he had been impressed with how Burrows rose to the occasion.

“It is a big responsibility to be picked as a mascot for a home Rugby World Cup but Felix did a fantastic job,” said Dallaglio.

“So many people will have been watching in the stadium and all around the world and Felix can always say that he played a part in the country hosting the competition in 2015.

“I’ve no doubt the experience will live with the mascots  for a very long time and hopefully it can inspire them going forward, whether that’s maybe one day playing for their country or just continuing to enjoy the sport of rugby which is what it’s all about really.

“It’s great to have young players from all around the country involved in Rugby World Cup 2015 by inviting them to be mascots.

“All those international players competing on the pitch would have come through from grassroots level, so the mascots will have got a real sense of what can be achieved.”

Land Rover is a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and is recruiting all 96 official mascots for the Tournament as part of its 'We Deal In Real' campaign. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal