Italian rugby stars took time out from preparing for their clash with England at St James' Park to pay a visit to a Gateshead rugby club.
Four players made the most of their time in the North East to help inspire the next generation of rugby players at Ryton RFC on Sunday evening.
Tiziano Pasquali, Michele Campagnaro, Tommaso Allan, Luca Bigi took part in a range of activities with players from six-years-old right through to the age of 18.
The international rugby players travelled from a training session to participate in drills with the children, sign autographs for delighted fans and also host a question and answer session.
Charlie Thoburn, chairman of Ryton RFC, praised the players for taking the time out to visit a local club in another country.
Charlie, 63, said: "It was a fantastic opportunity for the club.
"We have a burgeoning youth section - we have nearly 300 children which is quite and achievement for a small village club.
"It's not often you get international players paying a visit here.
"They were full of smiles, and I was absolutely flabbergasted by how many people had come out with their children to see them.
"Opportunities like this don't come around very often. It was a lovely day."
England take on Italy at St James' Park on Friday in their final World Cup warm-up match.
