ENGLAND rugby star Emily Scott was happy to pass on some top tips to the sport’s next generation of female players during a visit to Woodlands School.

Scott oversaw a training session with the Basildon school’s Year 10 and 11 pupils.

And the former Seevic College student - who represented Team GB in the Rio Olympics - was delighted to see so many young girls enjoying their rugby.

“It is brilliant to see more girls playing rugby,” said Scott, “It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world and where it has come from in the space of 10 years is brilliant.

“To be honest, when I was at school I was the one to ask to set up a girls rugby team and now there are girls rugby teams all over the place so it is brilliant to see.

“Hopefully it will grow even further.”

The growth in popularity has resulted in women’s rugby now becoming an Olympic event, with Rio 2016 being the first Games to hold a rugby sevens competition.

Scott was selected for Great Britain’s rugby sevens squad to travel to Brazil, and Simon Middleton’s side only just missed out on a bronze medal as Canada defeated Team GB 33-10 at Deodoro Stadium in the third-place play-off.

Scott is already looking ahead to 2020, when Tokyo will host the Olympic Games but she is currently focusing on the 15-a-side game where she remains a key figure in the England side.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to represent your country,” said Scott.

“I remember being at school and playing for England was what I used to dream of doing.

“The first time I played at Twickenham I was pretty terrified but I enjoy the experience a lot more now. I’ve now got 16 caps and hopefully there are many more to come.”