A rugby international has returned to Epsom College to present pupils the squad shirt he wore during the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in June.

During his visit on Monday (December 11), Kyle Sinckler, attended GCSE and A-level PE lessons and offered advice to younger players planning a professional rugby career.

He said: “Don’t think or plan too far ahead, as you don’t know what’s around the corner.

“Enjoy the moment, take each match as it comes, and make friends on your journey as you go. The strongest bonds are often made on the sports field.”

The rugby star joined in sixth form, becoming a boarder while he was a member of Harlequins rugby academy.

Kyle said: “My whole experience of Epsom was incredible. I came from a very different background and wasn’t sure what to expect of a boarding school before I started.

“Epsom opened me up to a whole new world of first-class facilities – I couldn’t believe what I had access to each day.”

He made his international debut for England in 2016 and was subsequently selected for the 2017 Six Nations.

Kyle's career highlight was being named as one of six props for the 10-match tour of New Zealand earlier this year.

Kyle said: “The Lions experience was unbelievable, as I expected it to be. Just to be selected in the squad was a dream come true, and to play alongside such incredible players was the biggest compliment I’ve received – I can’t put into words how much it meant.”

Michael Johnson, Epsom College’s director of sport, said: “It was great to see Kyle Sinckler return to the College. He was very generous with his time and he spoke with pupils and signed lots of autographs.

“We, as a College, are extremely proud of him.”