ALTON Rugby Club has received a surprise visit from a sporting legend.

There were more than 300 boys and girls enjoying the first junior rugby session of 2019 when rugby royalty Jonny Wilkinson came to play.

The club said he arrived “very quietly and modestly”, simply making his way across Anstey Park to join in the fun.

Long before his international stardom, Mr Wilkinson played for Alton RFC’s under-sevens and also watched his father play at Anstey Park.

He had contacted Alton RFC to ask if he could make a return visit and help out with coaching the current crop of potential young stars.

And the club was happy to oblige.

“Obviously, the few club officials who were aware jumped at this amazing opportunity and made sure that Jonny’s visit was an absolute surprise for the young players and

their parents,” said a club spokesman.

* See next week’s Herald sports pages for more pictures and coverage of Jonny’s visit.