Hundreds of junior rugby players are set to play off in Salisbury this Sunday

Friday, 26 April 2024 01:00

Hundreds of boys and girls from across the southwest will join Bath Rugby stars at the grassroots Defender Premiership Rugby Cup competition this weekend in Salisbury.

The Defender Premiership Rugby Cup will take place at Salisbury RFC this Sunday, 28 April, from 10 am.

Players aged 11 and 12 will compete for the chance to win the ultimate prize of attending the Gallagher Premiership final in June at the home of English Rugby, Twickenham Stadium.

The competition, hosted by Bath Rugby’s grassroots team in partnership with Premiership Rugby, will feature 28 teams from across Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset.

Defender Cup 2023 Champions Oldfield RFC U12

Bath Rugby players will also offer tips and tricks to the youngsters on the day and present the winners with their competition medals and trophies.

Parents and rugby fans across the region are being encouraged to come and support the players, where they will also have a chance to snap a selfie with the iconic Gallagher Premiership trophy, which will be on show.

Abigail Dicks, Grassroots Operations Coordinator at Bath Rugby, said: “The Defender Premiership Rugby Cup is a great way to inspire the next generation of grassroots players and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent.

“Whilst we love to encourage the kids’ competitive spirit, the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup isn’t just about winning; it’s about camaraderie, sportsmanship, and fostering the love for the game. Whether they’re charging down the pitch or cheering from the sidelines, we’re looking to encourage all players to foster and embody the true spirit of rugby.”

Designed to celebrate grassroots rugby, the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup will see each team play the same number of ten-a-side matches, lasting for ten minutes as part of a waterfall tournament.

The winning U11 team will be chosen from a hat at random, with team members receiving a medal, whilst the winning U12 team will be crowned Defender Premiership Rugby Cup champions, with both teams scoring tickets to the Gallagher Premiership final at Twickenham.

Head on down to Salisbury RFC this Sunday to be part of the electric atmosphere from 10am with trophy presentation scheduled from 2pm.

Parking on-site will be limited, but please find a park-and-ride up the road. A lift share is also available. For more information, visit Bath Rugby’s website here.

U11:

Chew Valley RFC Frome RFC Castle Cary RFC Salisbury RFC Dorchester RFC Trowbridge RFC Bridport RFC Bournemouth RFC Midsommer Norton RFC Chippenham RFC

U12:

Didcot RFC Midsommer Norton RFC Frome RFC Chard RFC Castle Cary RFC Dorchester RFC Trowbridge RFC Supermarine RFC Bournemouth RFC Wimborne RFC Salisbury RFC Swanage and Wareham RFC Marlborough RFC Oldfield RFC Chew Valley RFC Oakmedians RFC

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