Children in Cornwall are set to get their first ever taste of rugby when the first full season of the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme gets underway this week.

As the IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 continues, hundreds of children from dozens of schools will be picking up a rugby ball and learning to play the game as part of one of the most comprehensive rugby programmes in the world.

Since its launch in January 2007, 32,000 children have already been introduced to the game, with every Guinness Premiership club and two National League One sides coaching children, training teachers and running regional festivals through the programme.

In Cornwall, The Cornish Pirates will be working with children from eight schools; Rosemellion Community Primary School, Rosekear Primary School, St Meriadoc CE Junior School, Weeth Community Primary School, Crowan Primary School, St John Baptist Catholic Primary School and Sennen Primary School.

Louise Poole, EDF Energy's head of brand, said: "The programme is getting a new generation of youngsters into rugby in a fun and safe way which is fantastic.

"Hundreds of children in Cornwall are getting involved, which is great news for the future of rugby at the grassroots level, not only for schools rugby and local clubs but for helping to produce the next generation of fans and professional players.

"All the clubs including The Cornish Pirates have been brilliant at engaging with children and giving teachers the confidence and skill to coach. For the first full season to be getting underway just as the World Cup starts is perfect timing."

Every Guinness Premiership side as well as National League One clubs Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs are involved, introducing tag rugby to 8-10 year olds through six weeks of coaching at each school involved. Every six weeks dozens more schools join the programme. EDF Energy also supply equipment, including tag belts and balls, to ensure schools can carry on playing the sport for years to come.

Premier Rugby's Community Manager Wayne Morris added: "It is appropriate that as Rugby World Cup 2007 begins, we are starting to think about the next generation of players.

"A host of young English talent will be starting the 2007/8 Premiership season and we hope that players like Anthony Allen, Toby Flood, James Haskell and Danny Cipriani will inspire children participating in the EDF Energy programme and keep young people interested in rugby union, whether they are future internationals or social players. In many ways our partnership with EDF Energy is a great example of professional sports and a private partner working together for the good of the sport at all levels."

The Government has also recognised the achievements of the programme, with the National Sports Foundation awarding a grant of almost £200,000 in July, so even more children and schools can benefit.