England women's rugby legend Maggie Alphonsi was welcomed by students at The Heathland School in Hounslow .
The rugby star, who played as a flanker for Saracens and the national side, was invited to present awards to outstanding Year 11 pupils at the school's Record of Achievement assembly last Wednesday (March 15).
She handed out prizes to celebrate the boys and girls who have achieved success during their time at school, adding "it was amazing to be around such well-mannered polite students".
Her advice to students was to “work hard and opportunity will come”.
The retired player, who now coaches, also gave an inspirational speech reflecting on her very own story of struggles at school to the height of her success with the England squad and rugby world cup glory.
She told students that it was not until a PE teacher encouraged her to take up the sport, that she became motivated to sets her sights on playing for England.
Teacher Robyn Wynn said: “Hearing her experiences really brought home the importance of hard work and resilience to the students at The Heathland School, many of whom enjoy the multitude of sports teams and fixtures put on by the PE department.”
Headmaster Harinder S Pattar added: “Maggie was delighted to meet Heathland pupils and chatted to them afterwards.
"She was very impressed by their enthusiasm and politeness of the students who were inspired by her motivation and success.”
Alpohonsi was on TV screens as one of the commentators for the Ireland v England Six Nations clash on Saturday (March 18).
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