The full back was on hand when it was announced that Heathfield Junior School in Twickenham was the 1,000th school to join the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme.

A total of 75,000 children in England have been introduced to rugby through the programme, which was launched in January 2007 and is one of the most comprehensive rugby programmes in the world.

Armitage, who has just been selected for England's Six Nations squad, fielded questions from a school assembly and joined in a coaching session with pupils held by Premier Rugby and the London Irish Community Development team.

The EDF Energy rugby ambassador said: "I'm thrilled to be helping to celebrate the 1,000th school to join the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme. The enthusiasm of the youngsters and teachers here today shows the benefits of such a successful programme.

"Tag rugby is great at getting children involved in the sport and helping them keep fit and healthy. This programme provides quality coaching and equipment, meaning schools can carry on playing rugby for years to come. I am pleased to see that solid foundations are being set for the future of the sport."

The EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme aims to introduce 112,000 8-10 year olds to the sport through tag rugby by July 2009. Tag rugby is a non-contact version of the sport that teaches the skills necessary to go on and play rugby union. Every Guinness Premiership and two National League One sides are involved through coaching at schools.

Ray Wiltshire, EDF Energy's Head of Sponsorship and PR, said: "EDF Energy supports rugby from grassroots to the elite. The programme is helping bring on the next generation of fans and players by providing children with the basic skills to play and support rugby for years to come."

Paul Clayton, Headteacher of Heathfield Junior School, said: "It was wonderful to have Delon Armitage at the school as part of the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme. We are delighted to be named as the 1,000th school to join the programme.

"Getting children involved in sport from a young age is really important because of the health and social benefits. Programmes like this are excellent at encouraging children to take up new sports."

Dozens more schools join the programme every half-term. The latest 54 started this week, across the country. London Irish will work with youngsters at five schools including Heathfield Junior School over the next six weeks.

EDF Energy, Premier Rugby's Community Partner, also supplies equipment, including tag belts and balls, so schools can carry on playing the sport for years to come.

Premier Rugby's Community Manager Wayne Morris added, "The EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme has been a great success, enabling us to reach out to thousands of children and to provide them with skills necessary to carry on playing and enjoying the sport."

The government has also recognised the achievements of the programme, with the National Sports Foundation awarding a grant of almost £200,000.

Players from every club in the programme have visited schools, helping with coaching and regional festivals. Nineteen schools will go through from regional festivals to play in demonstration games at the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals at the Ricoh Arena on March 28 and final at Twickenham Stadium on April 18.

To find out more go to www.edfenergyrugby.com