With normality finally starting to return to the UK; it was rugby’s opportunity to take centre stage this weekend as the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup returned at Exeter Chiefs.
Crediton RFC hosted a thrilling Under-11 and Under-12 grassroots developmental festival on Sunday as youngsters at last got the opportunity to lace up their boots again, with Withycombe RFC Under-12s among the teams taking part.
This successful series of nationwide events, now running for nearly two decades and organised by Land Rover – the Official Vehicle of Premiership Rugby – has seen more than 100,000 children take part to date, with some realising their dreams of going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs.
And for Withycombe player Christian Ayres, it was a memorable experience as his side finally got back to playing.
Ayres, 12, said: “It’s just very exciting getting back to seeing your mates again and having a little bit of a fun time – that’s what I missed the most during lockdown.
“I especially missed playing the games and just winning!
“We all like to play together, that’s what makes our team special, that’s why I think we’re the best.
“It would be a dream to become an England player, it would just be wonderful, to play in the top league would also be great.”
Land Rover ambassador Lewis Moody, who racked up 71 caps for England, added: “The return of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup across the country is a huge boost for grassroots rugby.
“It is one of the longest standing national series of rugby festivals for Under-11 and Under-12 youngsters and is always a date in season that clubs look forward to being part of.
“It cannot be underestimated how important these grassroots rugby events are for rugby in the UK. Youngsters will learn vital lessons by playing in these festivals, that will serve them on and off the rugby pitch.
“To date, over 100,000 youngsters have taken part in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, with several players going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs. This shows the pathway these youngsters can take on their rugby journey, thanks to Land Rover’s support of grassroots rugby.”

Exmouth Journal: Withycombe Rugby Under-12sWithycombe Rugby Under-12s (Image: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED SIMON WAY SIMON@SIMONWAY.CO.UK 07971954733)