AS rugby fever grips the nation employees of a business in Seend near Devizes have more reason than most for taking a special interest in the exploits of the England team in Japan.

For Tom Kitching, 42, the managing director of ladder firm Henchman can take a little bit of credit for the incredible line-outs of the team that beat New Zealand in the semi-final of the world cup on Saturday and now face South Africa this weekend.

He gave England line-out coach Steve Borthwick a 10ft Henchman safety ladder earlier this year after he was filmed practicing line-outs on top of a wobbly traditional step ladder.

It proved to be such a hit with the team that it travelled with them to Japan and was heralded on social media as one of the secrets behind the line-out success.

Mr Kitching, who is a huge rugby fan and Bath supporter, was delighted the line-outs have gone so well and will be glued to a TV screen on Saturday.

He said: “As company our mission is to keep people safe working at height. We’re also avid rugby supporters so when we saw footage earlier this year of Steve Borthwick wobbling on top of a traditional step ladder during an England training session we wanted to get a Henchman tripod safety ladder to them as soon as possible.

“We despatched a 10 foot tripod ladder to the England Rugby training ground in Ascot during the Six Nations. Steve was delighted with it and the difference it made to the forwards’ line- out practice.

“So much so that that the Henchman was selected for Japan and went with them for the Rugby World Cup where the tripod ladder has had tremendous media exposure.

“We’re so excited about the final and pleased that Henchman has made its own small contribution.” A Twitter picture of Borthwick practising the line-outs from a Henchman ladder ready for the England game against the USA at the Kobe stadium received a big response.