Bowdon under-12s coach Scott Wardle is urging his promising youngsters to soak up the experience when they share the Twickenham turf with World Cup winner Lewis Moody at this year’s Aviva Premiership Rugby final.
The identities of the two clubs battling it out for the Aviva Premiership Rugby title might have only just been revealed, but Bowdon had their place at Rugby HQ booked for the showcase some time ago.
They secured their spot at rugby HQ at a Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup festival hosted by Sale Sharks on October 11.
It means that not only do the players get to watch the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final up close from the stands but they also get to pose their questions to former England and British and Irish Lions star Moody ahead of going onto the Twickenham pitch with him for a team photo.
And Wardle admits he can’t wait for his troops to enjoy their big day out as reward for their efforts at the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup earlier this season.
“They are all really excited as for some of them it’s going to be there first ever trip to Twickenham,” he said.
“It’s great that they get the chance to be a part of the whole day, going on the pitch and getting to meet Lewis Moody.
“We’ve had a few England players come up to Bowdon in the past and it’s always really interesting for the players.
“The atmosphere will be fantastic, and for the young boys it will be a brilliant occasion.”
Launched in 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.
And while some of Bowdon Under-11s’ Twickenham experiences will start and end on May 28, World Cup winner Moody is adamant the occasion can help motivate the players for a long time yet.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup for the last few years and it’s wonderful to watch it grow and see the fantastic opportunities it offers to so many kids,” Moody said.
“Rather than play the club sides they play week in week out, they actually get an opportunity to take on other teams around the country, all vying for the prize of attending the Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham.
“I hope it will be an incredibly special day for the kids, I’ve been there the last three years now and to see the excitement on their faces is great.
“I hope it’s a memorable experience that motivates them and more importantly inspires them to want to go on and progress their rugby, to whatever level that may be.”
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
