A new programme to teach rugby skills to tiny tots is off to a flying start in Suffolk.

Nick Jack and Annie Wells, who started the Rugbytots initiative in the county last month, have received an overwhelming response to the idea, which uses rugby-specific skills to aid the development of children between the ages of two and seven.

Although you would think pre-school children would be more into hugs than tackles, Mr Jack said young kids really take to the lessons, which are structured but game-centred and fun.

The couple began offering classes at Moreton Hall Community Centre in Bury. But with Sunday classes full and waiting lists growing, they are adding extra classes at different times and in new locations, including Thurston Rugby Club. A free taster session, which took place on Saturday, was well attended.

Ali Grace, whose two year old daughter Scarlett has joined a class, said: “She absolutely loves her rugbytots classes. She races to put on her special kit and fill up her water bottle, ready for a fun-packed half hour of running, kicking, catching and games. It’s the perfect class for any active toddler.”

From September, Rugbytots Suffolk plans to roll-out its programme in five new locations around the county, including Ipswich, Sudbury, Stowmarket, Newmarket and Woodbridge.

Consequently, the company is looking to hire coaches who will be trained up during the summer months. Coaches could be keen rugby players or enthusiastic sporty mums with a passion for teaching sport to children.

Anyone interested can email: suffolk@rugbytots.co.uk