Warlingham RFC stalwart Tony Doe was reunited with a former protégé last week – a former protégé that just happens to be England captain Chris Robshaw.

As part of the RFU's England Connected initiative, unsung heroes were nominated by five clubs that have produced England internationals, and they were invited to watch England train at their Penny Hill base in Surrey.

The five, including members from Fylde, Dursley, Salisbury and Westoe, also received a plaque from the players who started their careers with them.

Doe, who has been part of the set up at Warlingham as player and manager for the past 10 years, received his plaque from Robshaw.

Doe said: “It’s an honour, I can’t believe I’m here watching the England squad train.

“We’re very proud of Chris, I was one of his coaches when he first started playing for Warlingham, he was always a special player.

"To be here and to meet Stuart Lancaster is unbelievable.”

Doe was nominated to represent Warlingham in recognition of his continued assistance to the club, specifically in the organisation of the senior teams.

He regularly does building and ground work at the club, all unpaid and in his own time, despite still running his own business.

Doe has ensured that there will be a lasting legacy from Rugby World Cup 2015 at Warlingham RFC and across the wider region.

Robshaw said: “Playing for England is a huge honour, it’s also a huge responsibility.

"It’s because of people like Tony that there are opportunities to be part of the rugby family. It’s great that the squad recognises it’s regional connection, rugby has given me so much and I’m proud today that I can give a little back.”

On the playing front, Warlingham went down 10-18 at home to Winchester on Saturday to remain seventh in London Division Two South West.

A Luke Delderfield try and five points off Joe McEvoy’s boot were not enough for the Warl, who are without a game this weekend.