Street League has a added a rugby version to its expanding range of sports-related employability programmes.

The nation-wide charity uses a combined sport and education curriculum to support 16 to 24-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds into employment and training.

It has so far achieved impressive results through football, dance and fitness. Now, thanks to a grant from England Rugby’s ‘Try for Change Fund’, the sport is being added to the mix. The latest project has also received support from financial services group Société Générale.

According to Matt Stevenson-Dodd, CEO of Street League, the charity helped 1,652 young people progress into work, education and training in the UK during 2017.

"Launching Street League Rugby, with support from our partners, will help us reach many more young people and especially those for whom the principles of rugby – teamwork, respect, fair play – will make a huge difference in their lives.”

Street League Rugby was officially launched by culture secretary Matt Hancock at an event last week.

"Sport has a unique power to improve lives, build confidence and bring communities together," Hancock said.

"It's fantastic that Street League is able to harness this power to give young people the vital skills they need in their future careers.

"Rugby teaches respect, teamwork and discipline, which are all invaluable both on and off the pitch."