PUPILS of Delamere Academy near Chester were flying high when rugby stars from the USA Sevens team dropped in for a visit.

The side, who will play in an international tournament in Chester this weekend, called in thanks to former England and British Lions ace Phil Greening, who is sports ambassador for the trust which runs the primary, near Northwich.

But instead of lining up to take part, a ruck of pupils took part in a line-out! That involved the burly sportsmen hoisting the giggling children near to the ceiling, as well giving them a hands-on experience of being part of a scrum.

The staff got a front row view too, with PE teacher Tom Freeman also getting launched skyward to the delight of the youngsters.

Mr Freeman said: “Our sporting schedule is always exciting, but the children were extremely lucky to have the USA Sevens team here.

“It was a unique opportunity to meet professionals, and they made it great fun too.

“Some of our smallest children braved the scrum with some seriously big guys, and I’m still suffering with vertigo after taking part in a line-out!

“The team were fun and friendly and we appreciate them taking their time to visit and answer questions. It was truly inspirational for our children.”

Ex-Gloucester, Sale Sharks and Wasps star Greening, who coaches the USA team, works with the North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which runs several schools across Cheshire and Shropshire.

Three of his four children attend Delamere, and he owns The Athlete Factory training facility which is set in the grounds of Chester RUFC, where the international tournament will be staged on Friday, October 25 (from 2pm) and Saturday (from 11am).

The sevens teams of England, South Africa, Spain, France, Ireland, Hong Kong, Jamaica and Nigeria will also be involved in what promises to be a high-quality affair.

Greening said: “We held this event for the first time last year and it was a huge success.

“But this year it will be even bigger and better. It’s the highest level of sevens rugby outside of the HSBC World Sevens Series – and it’s in Chester!"

Entry to the tournament is £5 for adults and free for under 16s.

Parking, which is limited, is £5.

Tickets are on sale via www.afchester.global.