RUGBY-mad Ryan Dove will realise a dream this Saturday.
He will walk onto the hallowed turf of England rugby headquarters Twickenham ahead of his heroes' clash with Italy.
In front of 80,000 people, the Djanogly City Academy student will join 100 other schoolchildren in holding up a giant England shirt while the national anthems are played.
"I can't wait, I've never been to Twickenham and now I'm going to go onto the pitch," said Ryan, 11, of Basford.
Ryan was picked because Djanogly has been designated a Rugby Academy by the game's Rugby Football Union governing body.
One student was chosen from each of the schools affiliated with the All Schools Rugby Programme for the honour of going onto the pitch.
Ryan will also receive a full England replica kit that he will get to display in a half-time parade around the ground.
He said: "I usually watch the games on TV so I couldn't believe it when I found out I was going to be there.
"I love rugby. I play at school in PE and I'm in the school team as well.
"Hopefully I'll be actually playing at Twickenham in the future because I'd love to be a rugby player."
England will move a step closer to the Six Nations title and a Grand Slam if they beat Italy on Sunday afternoon, having won all of their three games to date.
Ryan will be cheering them on from the sidelines and is keeping his fingers crossed he might meet some of the players – especially his favourite Manu Tuilagi.
The All Schools programme aims to offer opportunities to more than one million youngsters to play rugby by giving resources to schools.
Djanogly has been focussed on developing rugby over the last three years.
The academy runs three teams for the under-12s, 13s and 14s.
Under-13s coach Taryn Donnelly picked Ryan for the honour this Sunday and will travel with him to the game.
He said: "I chose Ryan as he really throws himself into sporting opportunities at the academy.
"He has a real passion for rugby and is a great player for our under-13 team.
"Despite being only 11 he is courageous in attack and a stalwart in defence. He is clearly excited at it. It's a fantastic opportunity for him.
"Rugby isn't played in a lot in inner-city areas – it usually loses out to football – but we are building a good reputation here."
