YOUNGSTERS from Reading Abbey played a part in creating history as they participated in last weekend’s Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, hosted by Wasps.

Since being launched during the 2008-09 season, the nationwide grassroots rugby event has seen more than 70,000 children take part.

This season sees the 10th anniversary edition of the event – the ‘Testimonial Season’ – with Wasps hosting a festival at the King Henry VIII School playing fields in Coventry.

Abbey Under 11s and U12s were among some 30 teams in attendance, and they even got the chance to strut their stuff in front of Wasps star Danny Cipriani.

And while they missed out on the chance to attend next May’s Aviva Premiership Rugby Final, despite their displaying plenty of skill and effort, 10-year-old Bob Ingram insisted he had loved every minute of the experience.

“It’s always fun playing in rugby festivals like Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup,” said the Emmer Green Primary School pupil from Caversham Heights.

“It’s great just to get out on the pitch and play against other teams who have travelled far and wide – rather than the teams we usually play against throughout Berkshire.

“It’s a great way for me and my teammates to improve on certain areas of our game.

“For me, that means improving on my rucking.”

Cipriani admitted he had been impressed with what he had seen, in particular stressing the importance of grassroots rugby.

“These rugby festivals are very important for the growth of the game and more importantly, the growth in kids’ confidence,” said the 14-time capped England international.

“It’s a chance for them to meet other children their own age and build that type of camaraderie which you can’t develop in anything but sport – and rugby is one the best sports to be able to achieve that.

“I was very fortunate to play for Rosslyn Park as a kid and I’m still friends with a lot of the boys who I played with back then and I’m sure many of these kids will grow up and do the same."

l Land Rover is celebrating its ‘Testimonial Season’; 10 years of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup. The national series of grassroots rugby festivals is testament to Land Rover’s continued support of grassroots rugby through its ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal