The great and good of Premiership rugby are getting out into the community to spread the word of the importance of sport in young people’s lives.

In partnership with BT Sport’s The Supporters Club and Restart Rugby – the official charity of the Rugby Players’ Association – a new programme called the Urban Rugby Squad has been launched across all 12 Aviva Premiership sides.

At Harlequins, the programme will see Harlequins coaches deliver a 12-week recruitment and development scheme with four satellite clubs.

It is targeted at 14 to 16-year-old children from disadvantaged communities, giving them a chance to take part in regular sporting activity.

They will also take part in personal development workshops, and have the chance to meet former Quins hero Ugo Monye.

Monye said: “I’m looking forward to getting out and about over the summer, visiting clubs and harnessing the power of rugby to make a difference in what is an absolutely massive year for the sport.

“Rugby has the power to teach young people a number of life skills as well as the obvious health and physical benefits, so I can’t wait to get stuck in and hopefully encourage more young people to fall in love with the game.”