A RUGBY player has stepped up to become an ambassador for a children's charity.

Niall Annett will officially join Acorns Children's Hospice at the start of the Worcester Warriors' season in September.

The hooker was nominated for the role by his teammate - and former player ambassador for the charity - Sam Betty.

Mr Annett said: "I am really proud to be the new player ambassador for Acorns this season and would like to thank Sam for nominating me for this role.

"It’s an important position and I’ll do my best to raise awareness of the great work the charity does, both at the hospice and out in the community.

"We all know first-hand the amazing work Acorns does and we’re ready to help in any way we can."

Worcester Warriors have a number of activities planned to support the charity, which looks after children with life-threatening illness

An annual charity match day will be held in the New Year as part of the club's fundraising efforts.

Amanda Smallman, senior fundraising manager at Acorns, said: “We are delighted Niall will be supporting us in the role as official player ambassador and look forward to welcoming him and his teammates to Acorns in the new season.

"We’ve already seen a great deal of enthusiasm and understanding of our work from Niall and we’d like to say a huge thank you for his support to date."

The charity operates a hospice in Bath Road, Worcester, and has cared for over 870 children and 1,090 families in the last year.