Former RugbyWorks participant Vinnie on BBC London

In January 2020, former RugbyWorks participant Vinnie Gardiner appeared on BBC London to share his story.

Vinnie, 20, from Barnet, lost his father to drugs and alcohol when he was just 11 years old. He told BBC London that this caused him to have violent outbursts and become involved with drugs himself.

But a stint at Pavilion Study Centre in north London helped him turn his life around thanks to support from the Dallaglio RugbyWorks programme, and his coaches Ed Taylor and Dan Field.

Vinnie is now looking forward to a positive future as he is currently undertaking a performing arts degree at the Chicken Shed theatre company.

Watch the BBC London film of Vinnie's story below.