Will Carling's generous offer elicits some cheeky responses

The former England captain is doing his bit during difficult times

Former England captain Will Carling.

Former England captain Will Carling has vowed to help elderly rugby fans in isolation by trying to deliver a rugby message from their favourite players.

The generous offer was made via Twitter.

Carling, who famously skippered England during their 1990 defeat by Scotland in the Grand Slam decider at Murrayfield, wrote: “Here’s an idea. If you have an elderly family member in isolation, who is a rugby fan, ask who they would most like a message from. Will pick best option and take up the challenge of seeing if I can get the video done? Worth a go?”

The responses came thick and fast and the former Harlequins perhaps got more than he bargained for with some of the requests.

One rugby fan asked if Carling could set up a message for his dad from Erica Roe, the fan who famously streaked across Twickenham during a match between England and Australia in 1982.

Tom Maidment wrote: “My old man would love one from Erica Roe. He was at Twickenham that day but having a pee during her performance and missed all the fun. He’s been feeling sorry for himself ever since. Can you fix it for him please Will??”

Carling replied: “You’re a thoughtful son.”

Erica Roe at Twickenham during the 1982 England v Australia match. England went on to win the match 15 - 11.

Another of Carling’s Twitter followers, Dr Malcolm Harvey, wrote: “My Dad would like a message from the 1990 Grand Slam winning team please!”

Carling immediately replied and copied in Scotland’s 1990 captain David Sole, who said: “Sure we could manage something!”

An hour after his original post, Carling had had 110 retweets and almost 700 likes. It looks like he has a busy day ahead.