Newham Council wants the borough’s secondary schools to lead the campaign to get young people involved with Rugby World Cup 2015.

In an appeal spearheaded by Newham’s Young Rugby Ambassador Alex Pearmain, the council wants young people aged 14 to 18 to join the School Rugby Ambassadors programme, a new initiative between the Rugby Football Union, England Rugby 2015 and the Youth Sport Trust.

It encourages young people to become School Rugby Ambassadors and organise activities to encourage others to play the game and build excitement ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015.

Newham Council and the London Legacy Development Corporation, through the E20 Stadium Partnership, have agreed for five matches to be played at the former Olympic Stadium in September and October next year.

Alex Pearmain, 16, a pupil at Canning Town’s Eastlea School and a young player at East London Rugby Club in West Ham, said: “I want young people like me to feel excited about Newham hosting Rugby World Cup 2015.

“I have been involved in Rugby since I was five so I know what’s great about the game, but I want other young people to spread the word and help to welcome fans, players and visitors from all over the world.”

Chobham Academy in Stratford has already joined the programme but more schools are needed. The aim is for them to link with primary schools to form a network for the borough.

Councillor Ian Corbett, Newham’s Mayoral Adviser for Environment and Leisure, said: “We hope the energy and enthusiasm of our young people will drive excitement in schools about the Tournament next year and inspire more young people to play the game or be involved in the sport in other ways.”

The partnership of the Rugby Football Union, England Rugby 2015 and Youth Sport Trust has created an interactive resource website, which aims to bring Rugby World Cup 2015 to life in schools.

Schools that want to be involved can register at youthsporttrust.org/how-we-can-help/rugby-world-cup-2015/school-rugby-ambassadors.aspx