NORTH Tawton Rugby Football Club players were treated to some top-class training this week from one of the country's most respected former international rugby players turned coach.

Mike Tindall, MBE, who plays outside centre for Gloucester Rugby and has captained the England team led the training sessions at North Tawton's Taw Meadow pitches after the club won a QBE Hit Squad competition to win the mentoring session.

QBE is the official insurance partner of England Rugby. Mike is married to the Queen's grand-daughter, Zara Phillips.

He was accompanied by Andrew Stanley, forward's coach with Gloucester Rugby and they both led the players in specialist drills, exercises, advice for development and imparted some top tips.

Simon Quick, head coach of North Tawton RFC first team, said: "It was fantastic to win the QBE Hit Squad training session.

"To get the opportunity to learn from Mike Tindall was great for the club.

"Using Mike's coaching expertise and experiences in rugby will only benefit us as a club."

QBE said it is committed to the development of rugby at all levels, from elite to grassroots clubs.

Alan Quick