Rugby World Cup: Leading out teams at final was scary but amazing - teen

Millions of TV viewers watched Jacob carry the match ball ahead of the New Zealand and South Africa teams

The teenager who led the teams out at the Rugby World Cup final has said the "once in a lifetime opportunity" was "scary" but "amazing".

Millions of TV viewers watched Jacob, from Blackburn, carry the ball ahead of the New Zealand and South Africa teams at the Stade de France on Saturday.

The 14-year-old winger, who was born without his left forearm, has played for a club in the town for seven years.

He said he was nervous before the game, "but you have to power through it".

Jacob stayed on the pitch while the national anthems were played

He told BBC North West Tonight he was chosen to carry the match ball after he was asked to be part of a campaign by World Cup sponsors Land Rover before the tournament.

He said the experience was "so good" and led to him having a close-up view of New Zealand's renowned pre-game ritual, the haka.

"I was handing over the ball to [match referee] Wayne Barnes... and he said, 'do you want to stay and watch?'," he said.

"I said 'yeah' and then the linesman said, 'have you ever seen the haka so close?'

"It was amazing - quite intimidating, but really good."

Jacob said match referee Wayne Barnes invited him to stay and watch the haka up close

Before the game, he also met South Africa legend Bryan Habana, who told him he had been "so inspirational".

Jacob, who was previously an England team mascot for a Six Nations game at Twickenham, is part of his club's under-14 side, where he plays alongside non-disabled teammates.

He said he had been "proud" to be involved with the campaign, which highlighted his abilities, adding: "I hope I do inspire people."

His father Dave said his family were "really, really proud of him" and his younger brother had spent their time in Paris telling everyone that "my brother's giving the ball out at the final".

The final saw the Springboks clinch a record fourth Rugby World Cup title with a 12-11 victory over the All Blacks.