Rugby star Ben Williams inspired youngsters at a school in Trowbridge, with a talk about his launch into a successful sporting career at a young age.

The 22-year-old, who is centre for the Bath Rugby first XV squad, fielded questions from pupils at St Augustine’s Catholic College on Monday, as part of the club’s work with schools.

The Bath Rugby Foundation – the charitable arm of the club – is working with the school to deliver a variety of programmes, chosen by St Augustine’s, over the coming academic year.

Pupils will tackle sessions in finance, languages, girls’ rugby coaching and dance. There will also be the opportunity for GCSE pupils to attend maths “grade boost” workshops.

Mr Williams said: “The students were asking me all sorts of questions about what it is like to play for Bath and what my team mates are like.

“We also talked about how I got into the profession, because I was given a scholarship to a private school and I was lucky enough to get picked from there and I’ve not looked back since.

“I think this is my fifth season with the club now.

“It is all about inspiring the kids and encouraging them to go out there and achieve what they want to do in life.”

The Poole-born centre joined the Bath Rugby Academy in summer 2007, straight from finishing his A-levels at Bryanston School. He went on to sign a full professional contract with the club in 2008.

Mr Williams also received international honours at an early age, representing England at under-16 and under-18 level.

A number of the Bath Rugby players will be making appearances at St Augustine’s during the year.

Jimmy Deane, the Bath Rugby Foundation manager, said: “We are reaching out to around 23,000 children each year, across the south west, but it has been nice to come to a school closer to home, here in Trowbridge.

“We get the players in to talk to the students, who absolutely love it. They see people like Ben as a role model.”