Ely Tigers Rugby Club is hoping World Cup fever will lead to more youngsters giving the sport a go.

All the England games, all four quarter-finals, both semi-finals and the final are being shown at the clubhouse, of Downham Road.

The club’s junior section is made up of Minis, under 12s, under 13s, under 14s, under 15s, under 16s and under 17s.

Sarah Mulhall, under 15s coach, says it has been a challenge to attract teenagers to rugby over the past few years, She hopes the showpiece tournament will inspire youngsters to come along to the “small, friendly” club.

She said: “Whilst the team has a strong core of loyal players, unfortunately for the last couple of seasons we have been struggling for numbers and not always able to put a full team together for the fixtures.

“I personally feel that it is valuable for teenage boys to find a passion for sport and being involved in a team sport should be a great experience for them.

“We are a small, friendly club. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in at training.

“With the World Cup, we are hoping to make the most of it and get more players.”

The club has also been boosted by an official partnership with Guinness Premiership champions Saracens.

This means the Ely coaches can visit Saracens to work with their academy coaches, and organise trips for the youngsters to watch Saracens games.

Club coordinator Glen Bennett said: “You can have all the youngsters you want coming along but if you don’t have quality coaching you will not keep them interested.

“Being able to work with the Saracens coaches will help us develop our coaching, which will be of real benefit to the club,”

The under 14s and under 15s train from 6.30-8pm on Wednesday. The minis play on Sundays. Other junior age groups train midweek. If you would like to get involved, call Sarah at 07712 121981 or e-mail sarahmulhall007@btinternet.com