AN EXCITED schoolgirl had a surprise visit from an England rugby star – who told her she would be leading the team out at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Izzy Herron, 11, from Rugby, could barely contain her excitement when fly-half George Ford visited her school to break the news that she will be an Official Mascot for Rugby World Cup 2019, courtesy of sponsor Land Rover.
The English Martyrs Catholic Primary School pupil will walk out with the England team when they play Argentina in Japan on October 5.
Rugby player Izzy thought it was a normal school day – until she was summoned to the headmistress’s office to find Ford waiting for her with a bespoke ceremonial Rugby World Cup 2019 Land Rover cap, one of seven presented to all UK selected mascots.
Herron, who plays for Old Laurentians RFC, said: “I can’t believe it!
“I’ve been asking my mum for weeks if she had heard anything about the competition and then today I was asked to go to my head teacher’s office and saw George sitting there! I was really shocked and lost for words.
“I am so excited, and I can’t wait to go to Japan!”
George, who also drove Izzy, her mum and brother home for tea, said: “Huge congratulations to Izzy on her mascot place for Rugby World Cup 2019, a once in a lifetime experience for any young rugby fan.
“I am sure she’ll do a great job and it inspires her to keep playing rugby. I hope she and her family enjoys every minute of this money-can’t-buy prize.”
This was Izzy’s second surprise in as many weeks, having also met Rugby World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson recently at the Premiership Rugby Final.
Herron was joined by the Land Rover ambassador as she recorded her video audition to enter the mascot competition, in which she demonstrated the values of grassroots rugby.
Click here to watch Izzy’s video audition.