YOUNGSTERS from Abbey Rugby Club will embark on the first step towards a dream Twickenham appearance on Sunday as the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup returns for its seminal testimonial season; celebrating its 10th year.

The Under 11 and U12 grassroots rugby festival is part of a series of nationwide events which provide aspiring young players the opportunity to play in a competitive event and meet professional players from Wasps.

With 16 U11 and 16 U12 teams competing at King Henry VIII School in Coventry, Abbey’s youngsters will get a true taste of the professional game.

And for Wasps and England flanker James Haskell, there is nothing more important than supporting youth rugby.

He said: “My first ever rugby experience was when I was five, my mum signed me up to play for Maidenhead U7s.

"I was quite a big kid, I got passed the ball and sidestepped one way, sidestepped the other way, ran, dived and scored, but then realised I’d scored behind my own line.

“I’ve been involved with Land Rover personally for nine years now and they’ve done some fantastic competitions.

“They do so many grassroots events and encourage people to come along that they really epitomise what it’s about rugby and they’ve really captured the grassroots stuff.

“Keep doing the competitions, keep giving kids the access and you’re onto the right track.”

In addition to Sunday’s event, one team from each age group will receive a trip to the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final on May 26, where they will hear which of them has won a club MVP award.

The events are designed to provide young players with a chance to play completive fixtures in a format that is appropriate for their ages and stage of development, all within the spirit of rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.

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

  • SIXTH-PLACED Reading Abbey return to Southern Counties North action following their bye week with a trip to winless Gosford All Blacks this coming Saturday (3pm).