Northampton Old Scouts under 11s secure Twickenham place in Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup

Launched during the 2008-09 season, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is the first national grassroots tournament officiated by Premiership Rugby and run in conjunction with all 12 clubs.

On Saturday, Northampton Saints hosted 15 teams, as more than 150 under-11 players descended on Franklin’s Gardens in the build-up to what is set to be a thrilling finale to the Aviva Premiership Rugby campaign.

In total more than 7,000 children will participate over the course of the campaign as they go in search of a spot at Twickenham at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final on 28 May.

After taking the under-11s honours, Arbours School pupil Kells admitted his pride in his side after they secured their trip to rugby HQ.

“Playing in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup has been so much fun,” said Kells, whose favourite player is Courtney Lawes.

“Everyone is so happy and we’re all really excited to be going to Twickenham.

“It’s going to be brilliant because we think we’ve really earned it, we played so well and I am really proud of all the boys.

“Our teamwork was excellent, and we really enjoy playing in these tournaments because they can see us improving each year and they give us tips on how to get better.

“We came second at this tournament last year, so it’s a dream come true that we have come top this time around.”

Northampton Saints back row Lewis Ludlam was on hand at the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup and says he was impressed with what he saw.

“Rugby is a growing sport, especially since the World Cup last year, and it is really important that we look after those playing at grassroots level to make sure we have the best players coming through,” he said.

“Competitions like the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup are so important to achieve that, and I’ve been really impressed with some of the talent on show.

“I remember playing rugby at this age and I absolutely loved it, and I think it is really important that the kids are enjoying their rugby at this time of their lives.

“Rugby is different to many other sports because it has such firm values, and the earlier these kids can learn them, the better.”

Land Rover is a proud supporter of grassroots rugby and has been a partner of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup for nearly a decade. Land Rover’s ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign continues to champion grassroots rugby through Premiership Rugby and the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup. @LandRover_UK #WeDealInReal