HIGH-flying former rugby star brothers Rory and Tony Underwood yesterday backed the RAF's latest innovation.The pair, who both have connections with sitting in the pilot seat after shooting to stardom as wingers of a different kind on the pitch, were at a famous East Anglian airfield to launch a fashion clothing line with a special photo shoot.

HIGH-flying former rugby star brothers Rory and Tony Underwood yesterday backed the RAF's latest innovation.

The pair, who both have connections with sitting in the pilot seat after shooting to stardom as wingers of a different kind on the pitch, were at a famous East Anglian airfield to launch a fashion clothing line with a special photo shoot.

The Underwoods, world renowned for their speed on the rugby runway during the 90s, modelled the new range at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, kitted out in the RAF's new t-shirts, jackets and jeans.

Rory Underwood, a record-breaking try-scorer, said the RAF was very close to his heart after his 18 years flying Hawks. He left the air force in 2001.

Commenting on the fashion range, which will raise money for the war museum, he said: “Attending the first meetings discussing the designs and patterns it was something I was getting quite passionate about.”

Tony, now a pilot for Virgin airways living in France with his wife and two children, added: “Today was my first chance to see it (the line of clothes) and I'm impressed with it. The clothes are aimed at my age group with a young style - which I like.”

The RAF - along with the museum - launched the clothing line yesterday with pictures of the Underwood brothers being taken for the new catalogue.

Group Captain Andy Turner, from the RAF, said: “Our goal is to raise awareness of the Royal Air Force and its capabilities, roles, and deployments.

“It is important that the public understands what we do on their behalf. The merchandising initiative is one of a number of complimentary projects that will promote that understanding and awareness.”

Money raised by the licensing of the clothes will be given to the War Museum to help keep it running for the public to understand the history of the RAF.

There is a 40 piece men's range, 10 piece ladies range including a bikini, and plans for a children's range - all set to feature either the RAF trademark roundel or other RAF insignia.

Available at the end of March next year, the clothes follow toys and sports equipment already on sale at the museums and online.

The Underwoods also gave their reaction to the departure of Andy Robinson as head coach of England's rugby union team.

Tony said: “I feel very sorry for him.”

But his brother Rory said there was no hope for the coming World Cup with the teams' recent downfalls.

“It was no surprise, Andy's had opportunities to improve the results. But it's a shame it has happened 10 months before the World Cup.”