READING Blue Coat School pupil Duncan Kenton admits he will never forget his moment in the spotlight after getting the chance to run out as one of Land Rover’s Rugby World Cup 2015 official mascots.

Rugby fan Kenton was handed the responsibility of walking out alongside Australia for their 65-3 Pool A victory over Uruguay at Birmingham’s Villa Park on Sunday.

And while emotions were high ahead of running out in front of thousands of spectators, Kenton carried out his job superbly, walking out with the teams and then lining up in front of the Australian players for the national anthems.

His memorable day out continued when he then took a seat in the crowd to cheer on the action, with Kenton, who plays for Marlow, admitting he couldn’t have asked for a better experience of Rugby World Cup 2015.

“It was pretty terrifying to be honest but in another way it was pretty awesome,” said the 12-year-old.

“I’d seen mascots running out on TV before and we did the rehearsal during the day but when the players came out it was really cool.

“I got to go out with Australia captain Dean Mumm and he asked me what my name was and how I was feeling and I said pretty awesome.

“It was so loud when we went out there. Australia ended up winning really well although I was hoping for a bit of a closer game for Uruguay.

“I support South Africa but for my audition I had to sing the national anthem so I sung the English one.

“I’m hoping that South Africa win the World Cup but honestly I don’t think it will happen. It was a big shock against Japan when they lost.”

Land Rover’s selection of mascots from around the country forms part of their ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign that aims to put grassroots rugby on the global stage during this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Lawrence Dallaglio is one man who knows about the pressure of performing in front of a large audience, having helped England lift the trophy in 2003, and the Land Rover ambassador admitted he had been impressed with how Kenton rose to the occasion.

“It is a big responsibility to be picked as a mascot for a home Rugby World Cup but Duncan did a fantastic job,” said Dallaglio.

“So many people will have been watching in the stadium and all around the world and Duncan can always say that he played a part in the country hosting the competition in 2015.

“I’ve no doubt the experience will live with the mascots for a very long time and hopefully it can inspire them going forward, whether that’s maybe one day playing for their country or just continuing to enjoy the sport of rugby which is what it’s all about really.

“It’s great to have young players from all around the country involved in Rugby World Cup 2015 by inviting them to be mascots.

“All those international players competing on the pitch would have come through from grassroots level, so the mascots will have got a real sense of what can be achieved.”

Land Rover is a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and is recruiting all 96 official mascots for the Tournament as part of its 'We Deal In Real' campaign. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal

Picture by Richard Heathcote - Getty Images