Kyle Sinckler, a former Battersea Ironsides tighthead prop, took his first step to rugby stardom with Harlequins after asking his teacher to set up a rugby team at school.

Sinckler, who represented England U16s, posed the question to teacher Stacia Long about creating a rugby team at Graveney School in Tooting to increase his opportunities in the sport.

The prop has also represented England at U18 and U20 level, with spells at Richmond and Ealing Trailfinders.

Long said: “I started out as a high board diving coach and then started the rugby side after Kyle approached me.

“I was more than happy to help him out so I organised matches with other schools in the area, even though I did not know a great deal about the sport.”

Sinckler went on to sign forms at the Stoop in 2011, and has made more than 30 appearances for the Aviva Premiership outfit, including playing a prominent role in winning the LV Cup in 2013.