Having spent a gruelling 6 hours travelling through every conceivable weather condition, we arrived in Nottingham on the eve of the BMW Ultimate Performance Event. The next day after a hearty breakfast, we drove the short distance to the University of Nottingham. There we were met by a member of the BMW team who looked after us and advised us when the day would commence and that we would be in the blue team. We were given a Health & Safety briefing and the first of the days training drills began. A number of coaching sessions had been organised, each addressing different skill sets and each with a member of the England Coaching team. Ben and his team were given advise on how to improve their techniques for each round. As spectators, we were also looked after by the exemplary hospitality.

After the morning sessions we were all lead to the dining halls where a spectacular buffet had been organised. This was followed by a question and answer session with Stuart Lancaster, Mike Catt and Graham Rowntree. What an amazing opportunity.

On returning to the sport fields, the boys were, very generously, issued with a BMW rugby shirt and boot bag. The colour of the shirt denoted which team each boy would play in for a 7's tournament. As the boys played their individual games, in addition to the coaches that were allocated to each game refereeing and giving advise, the England coaches walked around . Ben was thrilled when Stuart Lancaster complemented him on his footwork.

Thank you BMW - we had an amazing day which really enriched Ben's rugby game! Thank you also to the England Coaching team who took time out of their very busy schedules to guide the boys at the grass roots level. Hopefully Ben will have the opportunity to work with you again one day!

Julie & Ben Murphy
Horsham RUFC