Rugby coaches are to be “drafted” into schools across England to helps transform the lives of “disaffected” and disadvantaged children, the Department for Education has announced.

As the government steps up its ambition to “deliver real social justice”, it is hedging some of its bets on its character education scheme, which was launched at the start of the year.

The specific use of professionals in rugby coincides with this being the year that England hosts the Rugby World Cup.

Funding has been provided to 14 clubs to come up with effective programmes that will “instil character and resilience” in children who most need it.

Education secretary Nicky Morgan said: “The values of rugby are those from which all young people should learn. Rugby teaches how to bounce back from setbacks, to show integrity in victory and defeat, and to respect others, especially your opponents.

“The £3.5 million character grants announced today will go towards producing a nation of resilient and confident young people. It will mean our children will be more ready than ever before to lead tomorrow’s Britain.”

Mark McCafferty, chief executive of Premiership Rugby, echoed Ms Morgan’s sentiments about the power of rugby outside of the sport by noting that a lot of what defines the game is applicable to most things.

For example, the “core values” of the highly popular sport include respect for one another, teamwork, discipline and, just as importantly, enjoyment, he said.

Mr McCafferty continued: “Our work in the community before, during and after this year’s Rugby World Cup gives England’s professional rugby clubs a fantastic platform to use rugby’s core values to build character.

“We are excited that this new Department for Education partnership will expand this promising community-based approach to reach primary and secondary school children.”

The government believes that it is vital schools do more to help build character traits, attributes and behaviours that will “underpin success in education and work”. These include confidence, tolerance and respect, conscientiousness and perseverance.