FORMER England stars Lee Mears and Matt Banahan provided inspiration for the youngsters at Chard Rugby Club when they took charge of a training session.

The Bath duo willingly shared their expertise with the club’s players from Under-9s to Under-16s and spent some time in the clubhouse afterwards.

Mears, 35, earned no less than 42 caps at hooker for England and also respresented the British Lions four times before being forced to quit the game last year because of a heart condition.

The 27-year-old Banahan, who still plays on the wing for Bath, represented England 16 times between 2011 and 2013.

Club chairman Mick Duffy said: “The whole club were really pleased and grateful to Lee and Matt Banahan for turning up at Essex Close to oversee the training of all the club.

“And what a night it was for the younger players in the mini and junior sections to see international players ‘close up’ and to be able to tell everyone who they are mixing with.

“It was a great evening and everyone involved has come away with just a little more knowledge, and also how to get a little bit more out of this great game of ours.”

The session was arranged by Andrew Whitehouse of ‘Lift West’ in Seavington St Michael who is a good friend of the club and also a friend of Mears.

The club are keen to get as many more players as possible at all ages and boys and girls are welcome to attend sessions on Sunday morning at the main ground. Senior training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm.