Josh Lewsey Rugby Academy future secured

Nomura have agreed to provide £20,000 a year over the next three years to keep it going, starting this September.

The Academy was set up by Lewsey to promote the game in east London primary schools and the World Cup winner, who retired at the end of last season, plans to continue his involvement, despite his scheduling an expedition to climb Mount Everest in the next year.

Steve Hill, who will be co-ordinating the Academy, told The Wharf: "This is really good news and a great boost for rugby in this part of London.

"We would like five more schools to get involved and I'd urge them to sign up. It's totally free but I would stress we want full commitment from teachers to encourage kids to play the game, it's not just a question of our coaches turning up to give a lesson."

The Academy coaches visit schools to show children the basics and encourage them to take up the sport. The youngsters are automatically given membership of Millwall Rugby Club to give them the chance to carry on playing.

"It's a lot of fun for the children and the adults," said Mr Hill. "There's also the chance to play at Twickenham with all schools taking part in a qualifying tournament, with the winners going on to play on the pitch before the Nomura Varsity Match in December."

Any schools interested in taking part should contact Steve Hill on 07779 098 244 or email him at steve.hill@island-house.org.