JUNIORS in Chippenham were treated to a rugby extravaganza all last week and a chance to meet players from Zurich Premiership side Bath on Thursday.

Bath winger Andrew Higgins and back row player James Scaysbrook went along to the Gazette and Herald rugby schools week to sign autographs on shirts, balls and even water bottles.

This was the highlight of the week for the kids who did spent most of their time improving their skills in every aspect of the game.

The week sold out and Chippenham chairman Ian Lyons said that they could have doubled the amount of kids on the pitch if they had space for it. He said: "It is difficult to run a week like this as there was so much demand for it. Over 100 children turned up, but it could have been a lot more."

To break up the training and skills development the kids played some fun rugby games as well. Lyons said: "The kids really enjoyed themselves."

Children from the ages of 8 to 15 took part and were taught by Welsh rugby coach Andy Edwards.

The skills week is in its ninth year. Edwards said: "I have done this for a long time. This was a successful week. There was a lot of talent here and the kids seem to be really enthusiastic."

Steve Whitehead, manager of the week, said it was a resounding success once again.

"The kids go through everything, all the skills of rugby, from game plans to line-outs," he said.

"There was a broad range of skill levels as well, experienced players to those that had never touched a ball before.

"Bath are always very cooperative in sending players as well."