Stockport’s rugby starlets had a day to remember as they not only rubbed shoulders with World Cup winner Jason Robinson, but played a starring role in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership Rugby final at Twickenham.
Exeter Chiefs were crowned English champions after beating Wasps in a thrilling game which went all the way to extra time, and Stockport’s under-12 players had a front row seat thanks to their involvement with the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup – a nationwide series for under-11 and under-12 teams.
Following their efforts at the Sale Sharks-hosted event earlier this season, they were invited to take place in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup parade at half-time, as well as getting the chance to meet 2003 World Cup winner Jason Robinson – who also conducted a Q&A session with all 25 junior teams in attendance.
The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup has seen nearly 68,000 children take part to date nationwide, and continues to provide opportunities for under-11 and under-12 players to play, develop and excel in the game.
And there was an extra special moment for Stockport player Dan Robinson, after he was also chosen to receive the club’s MVP (most valuable player) Award which was handed out to an individual from each team.
“I’m very excited because it’s the second time we’ve been here and it was a great final,” said the 12-year-old Bramhall High School student.
“We did well in the Land Rover Cup and came here last year, so I’m very proud of the side for getting here again. This year was a bit harder too because it was a different age group and a different sized pitch, but we did really well in the tournament.
“We’ve taken on new players this year and adapted our team style as a result this year, which is great and shows we’ve improved. Our coaches have been working on our game plan with us, so we know what to do and when during our matches.
“I feel like I’ve improved as a player too, being around everyone in the team and getting used to playing with them. I play in the forwards most of the time, but sometimes as a centre, and my favourite player is Richie McCaw as we’re quite similar in how we play.
“Being here at Twickenham is amazing, and doing it as a whole team is special.”
Land Rover ambassador Jason Robinson was at this season’s Premiership Rugby Final to meet hundreds of youngsters from the national grassroots rugby initiative, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.
Land Rover is committed to championing grassroots rugby and is continuing its ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign through programmes like the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.
And Robinson was confident that playing such a key role in the final at Twickenham would help inspire the next generation of Aviva Premiership Rugby players.
“The kids had a fantastic day; they were all really excited to get out on the pitch and have some photos,” he said.
“You see the young English guys coming through now who are extremely talented; we’ve got to keep that pathway going and support these kids to achieve their ambitions – that’s what the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup does.
“When you’re a kid you want to look up and see your heroes shining on the big stage, and have that desire to go on to do that yourself.
“All these kids have hopes and dreams of doing it themselves, and the Aviva Premiership this year has been fantastic and produced thrilling rugby.”
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. @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal
