THERE was a special sporting guest at Milford Haven Secondary School yesterday (Thursday) as former South African rugby international Thinus Delport met with pupils and staff as part of the Sky Sports ‘Living for Sport’ initiative.

The 40-year-old, who won 18 caps for the Springboks, is a Senior Athlete Mentor for the programme which aims to inspire youngsters to fulfil their potential in sport.

He addressed members of the school’s MAT scheme, as well as year nine students and staff members.

Delport, who also works as a rugby pundit for Super Rugby matches on Sky Sports, told pupils about his upbringing on a farm in Eastern Cape, South Africa, and admitted he was a late developer in his chosen game.

“I only made the Linden High School first XV in my final year and didn’t play any representative junior rugby,” he said.

“I was small compared to others and knew I had to offer something different to get into the school team. So I worked really hard at my skills – to the point where I could kick with both feet and pass off both hands.

“I started to arrive for training earlier and stay longer afterwards.”

After finishing school he spent time in the army, which he said gave him the mental toughness required to later play professional rugby, before going to university where he began to make rapid progression as a winger and full back.

He also spoke about a punishing personal schedule, which sometimes saw him train five times a day, before making his way through the ranks and being picked up by the Golden Lions.

The rest of course, is history, as Delport went on to play Super Rugby for the Cats and the Sharks, before moving to England and playing for Gloucester and the Worcester Warriors, and eventually finishing his club career at Kobelco Steelers in Japan.

He added the highlights of his Springboks career were representing his country in the 2003 World Cup in Australia, and beating New Zealand 44-40 in a thrilling Tri Nations game in 2000.

Delport also took the time to listen to pupils tell him about their own sporting goals and achievements, and answered a range of questions from the enthusiastic youngsters.

During this time, he listed Ellis Park, Johannesburg, as the best stadium he had played in, and said Hannes Strydom was his most influential captain.

He named Hennie le Roux as the most gifted individual he’d played alongside, Jonah Lomu as his toughest opponent, and Laurie Mains as the best coach he’d worked under.

He also spoke about the difference in school rugby between South Africa and the UK, and said that while New Zealand were favourites to win this year’s World Cup – the Springboks, Australia, Ireland, England and Wales were all in with a chance.

Afterwards, Delport was thanked by Milford PE teacher Martin Edwards, and then told Telegraph Sport about the importance of the programme he is helping to deliver.

“We want to be able to inspire youngsters, boost their confidence and improve life skills,” he said.

“It’s important that we cover all areas and come out to more rural places like Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, who don’t always get the opportunities that youngsters in big cities get. I grew up in a farming community so I know the importance of reaching out to a wider group.

“I really enjoy being part of it and the emotional rewards are great. It was really interesting to hear the pupils talking about their ambitions this morning and this scheme is all about supporting them.”

Delport also spoke about how much the international game of rugby had progressed in terms of structure and physicality in recent years, and advised changes in order to maintain levels of entertainment.

“In the modern set up there is so much emphasis on defence and analysis on other teams – so it is inevitable you are going to get lower scoring, more structured contests,” he said.

“I don’t think you should ever take the technicalities out of rugby – things like the rolling maul and scrum require unique skills and shouldn’t be changed.

“But I do think we could look at the pitches. So much has changed in rugby, and yet the pitches have stayed the same size. I would also like to see them widened and we should also consider playing on more 4G surfaces, so we can improve conditions for teams looking to pay attractive rugby.”

He added the Six Nations should consider law alterations to encourage teams to score tries.

“Last Saturday was the most exciting northern hemisphere rugby I’ve watched in a long time.

“You saw what teams were capable of when there was an incentive to keep ball in hand and it’s time to bring the four try bonus point rule into the competition.”

Delport added that rugby union had to be careful not to go down the road of identifying talent too early.

“Some players develop later than others – and I think in Europe especially, too many youngsters are being earmarked because of their size.

“As a result basic skill levels in the game have dropped.

“You look at someone like AB De Villiers, he is a multi talented sportsman who was allowed to excel in so many things before eventually choosing cricket. If we don’t give children time to develop their skills, not just in rugby but all sports, then you won’t get all rounders like him anymore.”

The Sky Sports ‘Living for Sport’ scheme is an award winning schools initiative. It uses sports stars and sports skills to help build young people’s confidence and life skills. As well as Thinus Delport, a team of more than 90 mentors includes Jessica Ennis-Hill, Darren Campbell, Jonny Wilkinson and Katie Taylor.

Delivered in partnership with Youth Sport Trust and teachers, Sky Sports ‘Living for Sport' is now in its eleventh year. One third of British secondary schools are now participating.