The RFU’s bid to increase the number of kids playing rugby in secondary schools has received a welcome boost after CBRE was announced as principal partner of the programme.

The commercial property and real estate services advisor has also signed up as an Official Supporter to England Rugby.

The four-year deal will see CBRE investing significantly in All Schools, one of the seven areas identified by the RFU to deliver the greatest participation legacy for the game in the lead up to the 2015 World Cup and beyond.

The All Schools programme, launched in September 2012, aims to increase the number of secondary state schools playing rugby union.

The aim is to have 400 schools enrolled by next year’s world cup and 750 schools by 2019. A hundred new schools are joining the programme this year taking the total number to 300.

Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, said: “All Schools is a key legacy programme for us to increase participation in rugby and the support from CBRE will be vital in helping us to achieve our goals in this area.”

Ciaran Bird, Managing Director, CBRE UK, said: “Like the RFU, CBRE is committed to investing in the next generation and helping young people throughout the UK improve their prospects and take part in positive and active engagement within the community.

“We recognise the importance of guiding young people at a grassroots level and installing discipline that can help set them up for the future, both on and off the sports field.”