A CANADIAN rugby team playing in an international competition running alongside the Rugby World Cup visited a former Surrey military camp to learn about their First World War ancestors.

The Canadian Defence Rugby Team took a tour of Witley Camp where volunteers had been part of an archaeological dig organised by Surrey County Council.

Players were shown the treasures that were uncovered at the camp, where renowned war poet Wilfred Owen penned a prelude to his famous “Anthem for Doomed Youth”.

Together with sides from 11 other countries including New Zealand, Japan and South Africa, the Canadians played in the International Defence Rugby Competition, last month.

The county council’s archaeology team are now looking for volunteers to process the artefacts. Anyone interested should email [email protected].