YOUNGSTERS from Redingensians RFC played a part in creating history as they participated in last weekend’s Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, hosted by London Irish.

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

This season is the 10th anniversary edition of the event – the ‘Testimonial Season’ – with London Irish hosting a festival at Henley RFC on Sunday.

Redingensians Under-11s were one of more than 30 U11 and U12 teams in attendance, and even got the chance to strut their stuff in front of a host of London Irish players, including academy star Tom Parton.

And while they missed out on the chance to attend next May’s Aviva Premiership final, despite their displaying plenty of skill and effort, 11-year-old Aidan Pugh insisted he had loved every minute of the experience.

“Personally, I’ve been looking forward to this tournament a lot because it’s lots of fun and I love rugby,” said the Colleton Primary School pupil.

“This is our first time playing in the London Irish Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, but have always really enjoyed it.

“It’s so good to have so many teams taking part.

“We’re such a good team because we have a lot of fast players with quick feet.”

Teams from across the county will compete at various festivals hosted by the 12 Aviva Premiership clubs this season, with the opportunity to earn a trip to the Aviva Premiership final on May 26, where they will join in a half-time parade and hear which of them has won a club MVP award.

Redingensians did at least get the chance to rub shoulders with rugby’s elite, and Parton admitted he had been impressed with what he had seen, in particular stressing the importance of grassroots rugby.

“I’ve massively enjoyed watching the rugby,” he said.

“There has been so much talent on show and it’s good to see everyone having so much fun.

“There is such a good atmosphere and it was a great event all round.

“It’s so important to support grassroots rugby, we all started at this level and this is where you learn your trade.

“It’s where you get the experience and then you build up. It’s important to show your talent as well as make new friends, and that’s what rugby is all about.”

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