By Graham McKechnie BBC Radio Berkshire

Academy graduate Shane Geraghty has two England caps (Getty)

London Irish are looking for potential recruits for their academy from the Berkshire and Hampshire area.

In a new scheme started in conjunction with the RFU, Irish have teamed up with St Paul's College in Sunbury.

Academy manager Neal Hatley told BBC Radio Berkshire boys continue to study while furthering their rugby education.

He said: "Education is massively important. Even in our senior academy we encourage the guys to do some of vocational or higher education."

Assistant academy manager Barrie-Jon Mather said it was vital for young players to have the safety net of academic qualifications.

"There are obviously no promises. At the end of it they'll come out of it with an NVQ in sporting excellence and either a BTEC or three A levels.

Only a few make it. You could be injured or just not good enough. You need a good education to fall back on. Newbury coach Chris Dossett

"We'll make a decision on whether their rugby abilities are worth offering a full-time contract or not. At the very least they'll have some A levels to use to gain entrance to a university."

Recent graduates of the London Irish academy include Shane Geraghty, Nick Kennedy, Richard Thorpe and Delon Armitage, all of whom have gone on to represent England at various levels.

Hatley said he could not take all the credit for the recent success.

"We're really starting to see the fruits of the work that's gone on before myself and BJ. We had five or six in the Saxons, two in the under-20's side, two young kids in the England under-18's and four in the under-16's final 40.

Mather added: "The earlier we can catch talent, the sooner it will come through and the better it will be.

Jon Fisher (left) and Alex Corbisiero (right), currently at the Irish academy, in action for England Under 20s (Getty)

"So if you're 15 and doing your GCSEs this summer and moving on to do either A levels or BTEC, either through the website or just give us a call with your academic and playing CV."

Newbury's head-coach Chris Dossett, a teacher at Portsmouth Grammar School, gave a his backing to the London Irish academy.

"We've a very good relationship with London Irish. For boys at 15 looking for an academy locally, that is London Irish and they should be going there for their extra rugby skills.

"Only a few make it. You could be injured or just not good enough. You need a good education to fall back on."