A SPORTY soprano led a rugby session with pupils at a Ramsbottom school — and the youngsters are set to return the favour when they join her on stage on the final date of her UK tour.

Laura Wright "scrummed down" during a visit to Woodhey High School, with the help of Sale Sharks first team player Jonathan Mills.

The 24-year-old singer, who sings the national anthem before England rugby union matches, is also a keen rugby player herself.

The visit was part of her role in the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) All Schools programme, which aims to promote the playing of the sport in state secondary schools.

Laura and Jonathan joined in with a coaching session with the school's year 9 rugby team, competed in a game of touch rugby, and held a question and answer session.

In addition, the school is now selecting around 12 lucky pupils who will join Laura on stage to sing the rousing anthem Jerusalem, during her concert at the Royal Northern College of Music, on March 30.

Deputy headteacher Howard Turner, deputy head at the school, said: "The students all really enjoyed the visit. They loved joining in with the rugby session and it was a great experience.

"Our performing arts department is now selecting the students who will be part of the concert, which should be an exciting night."

The singer originally shot to fame as a member of the Brit Award nominated group All Angels, and has since performed to audiences across the world, singing for The Queen, and in a room featuring 100 of the world's Presidents and Prime Ministers.

Laura said: "I loved playing all kinds of sport when I was at school, however rugby was not an option, a missed opportunity I feel.

"I have found the sport now in my 20s, but if rugby was introduced to women at a younger age, their potential could be realised sooner and for greater results."

Jonathan added: "It was fantastic to meet Laura and be involved with the children from Woodhey.

"Anything we can do to encourage further participation in rugby is a positive step. The All Schools programme, in combination with hosting the Rugby World Cup, is the opportunity needed to promote rugby's accessibility to all."