Dursley, Thornbury and Frampton Cotterell helped celebrate more than ten seasons of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup by taking part in an event hosted by Gloucester Rugby on Sunday, February 25 writes Joe Leavey.

The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, a nationwide series of events, has seen more than 82,000 children take part to date and continues to grow, providing developmental experience for young players to excel in a professionally run environment.

This weekend it was Gloucester Rugby’s turn to host their event this season with Dean Close School the venue with 32 teams strutting their stuff across an under-12 and under-11 festival.

And in the under-12 competition Minchinhampton demonstrated plenty of effort and skill but fell just short of earning a trip to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final on June 1, where they had the chance to meet a Land Rover rugby ambassador, and join in a Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup

Parade at half-time, plus find out who has won the Junior Land Rover Discovery of The Season award.

But despite seeing that honour go to Lydney U12s Sebastian Forrest, from Minchinhampton U12s, was still proud of his side’s performances.

“It’s nice. There’s a good atmosphere, it’s sunny, it’s big,” he said.

“I’ve been playing rugby for six years and love running with the ball and playing with my friends. I love the teamwork and just having a great day out.”

Participating players at the festival also had the opportunity to meet Gloucester Rugby player Charlie Sharples who took time out of his schedule to watch the young teams as well as offer some coaching tips between games.

And he commented on the importance of grassroots rugby, saying: “It’s massive, isn’t it?

“I remember going along to festivals myself with mini rugby. They were lucky that the weather came out in February - that made it a little bit nicer for everyone.

“It’s just great to see so many local clubs competing and so many kids all here. I think a good day was had by all.

“It’s about the enjoyment and enjoying playing rugby. Trying to get as many kids to play rugby for as long as possible, because that’s how the game is going to grow.

“Boys and girls of all ages - that’s what we want: everyone playing the sport.

Land Rover has heritage in rugby at all levels; from grassroots to elite, sharing and understanding the values at the heart of the game.