ONE of Monmouth Rugby Club’s players had the honour of coaching an unusual student.

Dan White, the club’s first XV scrum half, was appointed this month as one of 12 Welsh Rugby Union coaching apprentices in a scheme launched by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and had the opportunity to teach the Duke a few new skills.

The Duke of Cambridge met and was coached by the apprentices at Sport Wales, before he attended the Wales v Fiji Rugby World Cup match at the Millenium Stadium.

Created by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in 2012, the programme aims to improve the quality and availability of sports coaching, especially in schools and communities in deprived areas.

The WRU programme will be run over a 12 month period in the Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons regions, supporting 12 young people aged 18-24. The coaching and mentoring programme will help the young people gain new skills and qualifications in rugby development and coaching, supported by WRU staff and coaches.

WRU chairman Gareth Davies said, “We are delighted to have received the support of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to enable us to set up this exciting new programme.

“The WRU Coach Core Apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain new skills and experience within the field of rugby and sports coaching. It will open doors, not only for the apprentices themselves, but also for all those they engage with on a community level during the 12 month programme.”

WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey added, "The apprentices will be working with our coaches and development officers in schools and clubs and will become role models in their own right within their communities."

Supporting children and young people to achieve their potential is one of three key areas of focus for The Royal Foundation. Through strategic partnerships, seed funding and raising awareness, the Foundation helps young people to build their skills, confidence and aspirations.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “The WRU is to be congratulated for their forward thinking approach that has already produced such good results in terms of persuading more young people to take part in school and club rugby. Adding this apprenticeship opportunity to their scheme demonstrates how well sport can benefit both the individual and the community and I look forward to seeing other sports follow the WRU’s lead.”