England’s new head coach Stuart Lancaster is the latest big name to offer his support to injured teenager Nathan Cubitt after the pair met at a Leeds Carnegie game.

The Silsden youngster, who broke his neck in a scrum playing for Keighley under-17s last November, was at the clash with Bedford along with his team-mates when the chance meeting with Lancaster took place.

The new England chief took time out to chat and pose for pictures with Nathan, even inviting him to the autumn international with New Zealand at Twickenham later in the year.

Nathan’s mum Sue said: “It was just brilliant for him meeting Stuart and it really made his day. Stuart actually knows Nathan’s uncle Ronnie (Kelly, who is a coach at Bradford & Bingley) from being involved at West Park.”

Keighley under-17 coach Ian Simons said: “We were waiting for the crowds at Headingley as we were doing a bucket collection for Nathan.

“Someone spotted Stuart and he was more than happy to come and speak to Nathan and find out more about how he was doing.”

Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson are other big names to give messages of support to Nathan.

More than £1,500 was collected for his trust fund at the Bedford game, while the grand total for the fund-rasing game involving Bradford Salem and Keighley Veterans reached £2,000.

Nathan, who has no feeling below his armpits and has been warned he might not walk again, has been staying at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield but his family hope he can move back home by the end of April.

His mum Sue added: “His whole attitude has been amazing. He has remained so positive. The support from his team-mates, everyone at Keighley and the wider community has also been tremendous.”

Teams are wanted for a fancy dress tag rugby event on Saturday, May 26 at Keighley in aid of Nathan. To register, visit nathancubitt rugby.blogspot.co.uk.