Rugby prodigies from East Cambridgeshire were given a masterclass on rucking, mauling and passing by one of the stars of the RFU Championship.

25-year-old Bedford Blues winger Patrick Tapley stopped by at Ely Tigers Rugby Club on Downham Road to lend a hand with the Lions Sports Academy’s three-day rugby camp, which focused on the technical elements of scrummaging, rucking and mauling.

Tapley, who was the Blues’ top try-scorer two seasons ago, gave groups of under 9s and 10s tips on how to hone their footwork and ball handling alongside Lions Academy coach, Jamie Capon.

He said: “The camp went really really well and was very successful.

“I used to play down at Ely and grew up there so it was nice to give something back.

“We’ve had great reviews from the parents and one said that their son was made up to get a picture with Pat.”

The academy came to Ely as part of its nationwide tour, which aims to develop the skills and careers of Britain’s young sports men and women.

For more information, visit www.lionssports.academy.