Old Albanians hosted more than 60 coaches last night as they took part in one of the first ESPN Masterclass rugby sessions.

More than 60 minis coaches and junior rugby coaches from grassroots clubs from across the area received expert tuition and advice from ESPN’s Austin Healey, along with Saracens elite coaches Kevin Sorrell and Alex Austerberry.

The coaches got expert advice and coaching help on passing, tackling and ball handling skills. Coaches from Harpenden, St Albans School, Saracens Amateurs, Verulamians, Fullerians, Habs School, Pinner and Gramerians and Old Albanians RFC took part.

The event was part of a nationwide tour by ESPN all season long – which will see it visit all Premiership clubs, including Saracens twice - for its new Masterclasses community series where the likes of ESPN’s Austin Healey and Ben Kay visit grassroots rugby clubs and schools to coach coaches and players.

After the practical element, a Q&A discussion was held with all involved where issues of player motivation and how to structure training sessions were covered.

Healey said: “Coaching the up and coming coaches from Hertfordshire was a pleasure. Old Albanians RUFC is a great set up and the coaches of local teams are doing a great job, almost too good for me. The new ESPN Premiership Rugby Masterclasses are a great opportunity for myself and the rest of ESPN to get to know the rugby community nationwide.”

Sorrell, the ex Saracens player and current academy coach, said: “The Saracens ESPN Masterclass has allowed us to engage with local coaches from a number of clubs across a variety of age groups.

“Hopefully some of the coaching points Austin and myself raised will provide some ideas that these coaches can build on and pass on to their players to provide some longevity and sustainability across grassroots coaching within our direct community.

“I know both myself and Austin enjoyed the evening immensely and by looking at the levels of energy and enthusiasm the coaches bought to the practical session, not only have they gone away with a number of ideas, but also had a fun time in doing so.

“I am sure I speak on all the participants’ behalf in thanking ESPN for all their support in establishing these Masterclass sessions as well as their continued support in covering Premiership Rugby.”