Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and Twickenham MP Vince Cable got stuck into some touch rugby this week as England’s most capped player, Jason Leonard, watched on from the sidelines.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

The politicians joined children from Twickenham Academy and Lydia Thompson of England Women's World Cup winning squad in the RFU All Schools session amid preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2015, which will see 10 games played at Twickenham stadium.

More on the run-up to the General Election

Dr Cable, playing on the same team as the Liberal Democrat leader took a tumble during the session, but the 71-year-old Business Secretary quickly picked himself back up

Mr Clegg said: "I think team sports like rugby probably teach children more about the importance of working with others more than any number of classes."

He added: "We have a problem with childhood obesity in this country and by far the best way to encourage the kids to put their iPads and Nintendos down is to get them playing sports like rugby."

The Liberal Democrat leader was quick to highlight the opportunities hosting the World Cup presents for Twickenham and the rest of the UK.

He said: "For the country as a whole, the independent estimates are it will generate more than £2bn for the economy, it is creating thousands of jobs and we are seeing more and more state schools making rugby available.

"What we have learnt from the Olympics and Commonwealth games is that it’s not just about the weeks in which the contest takes place; it’s also about the memories created and the legacy created, part of which is more youngsters playing sport."

Mr Clegg also took the opportunity to praise Dr Cable ahead of May’s general election.

He said: "As a long-standing friend and colleague of his I would say that in Vince Cable the people of Twickenham have a nationally recognised figure, with more knowledge of the economy almost any other politician in British politics today, who has shown year in year out his devotion to the community.

"I think the Tories believe that lots of money raised by financiers around the country somehow gives them the right to represent Twickenham, but Vince Cable’s local record and national reputation is something money cannot buy."

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Dr Cable said that despite Conservative efforts to target Twickenham he was optimistic about retaining his seat, though there was no room for complacency.

He said: "Yes the Conservatives are putting a lot of effort into it, but I checked with Ladbrokes this morning and I am eight to one on."

Mr Clegg went on to meet with RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie and join in teambuilding activities with young people led by the Dallaglio Foundation, an organisation run by former player Lawrence Dallaglio aimed at developed the skills of disadvantaged young people.