The classic combination of a senior who knows the ropes and two young assistants are helping to put rugby union on the map in Bradford.

Robin Kay, a 58-year-old part-time lecturer, and Bees players Ben Greaves and Andy Woodhead are spreading the gospel as part of a project that is being backed in equal measure (£15,000 each for the first year which is just coming to an end) by Bradford and Bingley plc and the Government's Sportsmatch scheme.

And, far from working in opposition to Bradford Council's rugby union development officer Fergus Timmins, the Bees trio are existing in tandem with him.

"We are working very closely with Fergus," admitted Kay, who is also the Bees' fitness coach.

"In fact I think he sees us as a godsend because we are helping him, and we have carte blanche to work in any schools that we wish.

"With Fergus we have dealt with 2,500 kids and worked with the West Yorkshire elite squads at age 14 and 15."

Added Kay, who has also coached club rugby at Roundhay, Morley, Otley and Manchester among others, as well as six weeks at Leeds: "We have visited 20 schools in our first year - chiefly in the Bingley area, but also in other parts of Bradford Met.

"We are free and give our educational and coaching expertise. We work from four-year-olds upwards initially for half-a-term - about six weeks - and teach rugby skills in an enjoyable structured session.

"Age groups are split into two - four to seven and seven to 11 - we have had tag tournaments and have also gone to Bingley and Beckfoot grammar schools. Another thing is that we may be the first male 'teachers' that many kids at primary schools will have seen."

Kay, who lectured in PE and was deputy head of alternative education at Bradford College, added: "The talent and enthusiasm is there. Rugby, like many sports, is a game that can teach good attitudes and is perceived as a valued element. Sport can also teach lessons in life."

Hopefully, Kay and his two disciples will continue their good work for the next two years too as part of an initial three-year period.