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Tindall was at Minsterworth Primary School in Gloucester, the 500th school to join the programme, which was launched in January 2007 and is one of the most comprehensive rugby programmes in the world.
He fielded questions from a pupil assembly and joined in a coaching session with pupils held by Premier Rugby and Gloucester Community Development team.
Mike Tindall, EDF Energy rugby ambassador said: "I'm delighted to be helping to celebrate that 50,000 children have been introduced to rugby through the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme in just a year. The enthusiasm of the youngsters at Minsterworth School really does show the benefits of such a comprehensive programme.

"We need to bring rugby to new audiences and to give children a taste of the game at an early age. Tag rugby is a brilliant way of getting kids into rugby and helping them get fit and healthy. When you provide quality coaching and the right equipment, and have teachers and children who are keen, then you stand a really good chance of laying solid foundations for the future of the sport."
The EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme will 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.
Louise Poole, EDF Energy's Head of Brand, said: "EDF Energy is supporting rugby from the grassroots to the elite. The programme is very important because it is helping to secure the new generation a decade down the line.



