Children from Old Emanuel RFC were among 450 youngsters who try-ed to get over the World Cup blues at an Elmbridge rugby festival on Sunday.

England’s World Cup exit at the hands of Australia on Saturday did nothing to dampen spirits at Weybridge Vandals as five clubs – including Twickenham – battled it out for the honours.

The host club fell short of a clean sweep as they won the U8, U9, U11 and U12 competitions, with Old Cranleighans the U10s winners.

Several prospective new young players visited Brownacres to sample the game first hand as World Cup organisers hope the host nation’s early departure from the tournament will not dent efforts to grow the sport in the UK.

“This will still be the best ever World Cup. There are too many people who have put too much work in for it not to be,” said head coach Stuart Lancaster.

“The other countries will continue to play well and the crowds will continue to support. That’s what we do here.

“This is still a good group of young players who have been fantastic role models and ambassadors for this country.”