HSA sponsored Andover Rugby Club made their presence felt in the town last Saturday by holding a recruitment and publicity day outside the Guildhall.

In a joint venture with Testway Housing to promote both the club and the innovative Testway Sevens inter-estate rugby competition for 12, 13, 14 year-old boys, players from all levels of the club, including 1st XV, veterans, youth and mini players took to the town centre in force.

As part of the activities to raise awareness of the club and recruit youngsters for the summer holiday rugby coaching sessions on the town's estates, Saturday shoppers were shown posters, leaflets, photographs and offered free face painting for children - as well as the odd impromptu display of rugby skills.

Response to the event was superb. There were inquiries from all ages and standards wishing to join the club and there were kind words from others who wished to come along and watch rugby.

Many boys also signed up there and then for the Testways Sevens, which gets underway this Saturday at 1pm, and Testway Housing manager Ivor Evans also was on hand to support the event.

He said: "Testway wish to be seen as more than a landlord. We want to be part of the community and with this initiative we and the rugby club are going a long way to achieving this aim."

Boys aged 12, 13 and 14 who wish to try out rugby - it does not matter if they've played before or not - should meet this Saturday, 28 July, at 1pm at the venue nearest to their house.

The venues are King Arthurs Way (meet at the junior school gates), Roman Way (on primary school playing field), Cricketers Way (on Roman Way playing field), River Way (on green between River Way and Pilgrims Way), Pilgrims Way (on green between River Way and Pilgrims Way), Admirals Way (on playing fields next to the estate) and Artists Way (meet at play area Hepworth Close).

Further details are also available on 01264 405678.

The event is free and coaching staff and equipment will be provided at each venue by the rugby club as the search for Jonny Wilkinsons and Lawrence Dalaglios of the future begins.