Greenwich youngster Malachi Hallett admits he will never forget his moment in the spotlight after getting the chance to run out as one of Land Rover’s Rugby World Cup 2015 official mascots.

Rugby fan Hallett was handed the responsibility of walking out alongside Wales captain Sam Warburton for their 23-19 quarter-final defeat to South Africa on Saturday at Twickenham.

It came after the Blackheath player was informed that following an audition at a Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup last season, he had been chosen as one of 96 official Rugby World Cup mascots.

And while emotions were high ahead of running out in front of thousands of spectators, Hallett carried out his job superbly, walking out with the teams and then lining up in front of the Wales players for the national anthems.

His memorable day out continued when he then took a seat in the crowd to cheer on the action, with the Greenwich Free School pupil admitting he couldn’t have asked for a better experience of Rugby World Cup 2015.

“I really enjoyed the whole experience; I was buzzing,” said the 12-year-old.

“Sam Warburton was friendly although he was very focussed on the game. It was clear he knew he had a job to do."

“I wasn’t nervous or anything like that because I am an actor so I am used to crowds and the pressure."

“It was most definitely one of the best things I have ever done. The only thing that comes close is when I performed in the Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in the West End but this was my favourite as I prefer rugby to acting."

“Being involved with Saturday’s match has only increased my passion for the sport.”

Land Rover’s selection of mascots from around the country forms part of their ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign that aims to put grassroots rugby on the global stage during this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Lawrence Dallaglio is one man who knows about the pressure of performing in front of a large audience, having helped England lift the trophy in 2003, and the Land Rover ambassador admitted he had been impressed with how Hallett rose to the occasion.

“It is a big responsibility to be picked as a mascot for a home Rugby World Cup but Malachi did a fantastic job,” said Dallaglio.

“So many people will have been watching in the stadium and all around the world and Malachi can always say that he played a part in the country hosting the competition in 2015."

“I’ve no doubt the experience will live with the mascots for a very long time and hopefully it can inspire them going forward, whether that’s maybe one day playing for their country or just continuing to enjoy the sport of rugby which is what it’s all about really."

“It’s great to have young players from all around the country involved in Rugby World Cup 2015 by inviting them to be mascots."

“All those international players competing on the pitch would have come through from grassroots level, so the mascots will have got a real sense of what can be achieved.”

Land Rover is a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 and is recruiting all 96 official mascots for the Tournament as part of its 'We Deal In Real' campaign. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal