A YOUNG rugby fan form Black Dam got to walk out onto the pitch at the start of a match with the captain of London Irish.

Claire Hyland, 11, was a mascot at the London Irish vs Leicester Tigers game on October 7 at the Madejski Stadium, Reading, walking out with London Irish captain David Paice.

The Rucstall Primary School pupil is a keen rugby fan and plays for the under 11s team at Basingstoke Rugby Club.

Claire’s mum Julia Hyland said: “She really enjoyed her time there, meeting the players and being the mascot for a big game that was televised on BT Sport, and then she was on the highlights as well. She really likes rugby, and entered the competition to be selected for a mascot - partly to annoy her brothers and because the women’s rugby team is doing so well.”

Leicester Tigers narrowly beat London Irish 28-27.