PE TEACHERS literally rubbed shoulders with royalty when they developed their rugby coaching skills.

Geraldine Lynch and Richard Russell, who teach at the University of Chester Academy Northwich (UCAN), took part in a rugby course at Eccles Rugby Club.

Also taking part in the coaching session were Prince Harry and Women’s World Cup winner Sarah Hunter MBE, who represented England at the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Prince Harry has an important role as the patron of the England Rugby All Schools programme, which aims to encourage more schools to teach rugby union as part of the legacy from the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The Prince and Sarah Hunter took part in a training session, alongside the England Rugby community coaching staff, for teachers working to become rugby coaches for their schools.

Prince Harry was involved with the group of staff in the afternoon coaching session and in the scrum practice.

Miss Lynch said: “I found the day inspiring. Both myself and Mr Russell have learned a lot, which we can now put into practice back at UCAN to inspire our students further.”

Alan Cameron, UCAN assistant principal said: “This was a unique learning experience for our team at UCAN.

“We are now able to put this professional training into action with all of our students and create a really special learning experience within our curriculum.”