SOUTHERN hemisphere rugby descended on Wootton Bassett last week as some of the best coaches from below the equator held a summer camp at Stoneover Lane.
More than 100 youngsters, aged between seven and 16, attended the five-day camp, organised by rugby workshop specialists Socious Sports.
On hand to pass on their expert knowledge were New Zealand's Under 19s coach Ian Doust, countryman Wally Ropati and South African Johan Labuschagne.
And Tevita Latailakepa and Otenili Tuipulotu, both of whom played in the 1991 Rugby World Cup for Tonga and now coach their country's under 21 side, were also on hand.
Bassett youth coach Mark Roshier said: "At the start, I don't think the kids realised the standard of coaching that they would be getting.
"But it opened our eyes to what first-class rugby players are doing. If any of the kids want to become a professional rugby player, they are beginning to realise what they have to be doing.
Socious Sports' Gary Phillips said: "We have been invited back again next year and we are also now running a camp at Marlborough for the summer of 2006 as well."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article