LYDNEY U12s will be joining a host of Gallagher Premiership stars in June after securing a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Twickenham thanks to their performance at a Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup event this weekend.

The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, a nationwide series of events now running for more than a decade, has seen more than 82,000 children take part to date and continues to grow, providing developmental experience for young players to excel in a professionally run environment.

This weekend it was Gloucester Rugby’s turn to host their event this season with Dean Close School the venue on Sunday with 32 teams strutting their stuff across an under-12 and under-11 festival.

And in the under-12 competition Lydney U12s were rewarded for their effort and skill with a trip to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final on June 1, where they will meet a Land Rover rugby ambassador, and join in a Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup Parade at half-time, plus find out who has won the Junior Land Rover Discovery of The Season award.

Charlie Beddis, from Lydney U12s, was excited to be there on the day and thanked Gloucester Rugby for giving him a special day at Rugby HQ to look forward too.

“I’m very proud of my team, that we managed to win today,” he said.

“We did everything perfect today. We played as a team, we rucked very well, we passed great, scored our tries.

“It’s amazing to go to Twickenham. It’s a lifetime experience because not many people get to play professionally and go to Twickenham and walk around the pitch, so it’ll be amazing.”

Participating players at the festival also had the opportunity to meet Gloucester Rugby player Charlie Sharples who took time out of his schedule to watch the young teams as well as offer some coaching tips between games.

And he commented on the importance of grassroots rugby, saying: “It’s massive, isn’t it. 

“I remember going along to festivals myself with mini rugby. They were lucky that the weather came out in February - that made it a little bit nicer for everyone. 

“It’s just great to see so many local clubs competing and so many kids all here. I think a good day was had by all. 

“It’s about the enjoyment and enjoying playing rugby. Trying to get as many kids to play rugby for as long as possible, because that’s how the game is going to grow. 

“Boys, girls of all ages - that’s what we want: everyone playing the sport”

Land Rover has heritage in rugby at all levels; from grassroots to elite, sharing and understanding the values at the heart of the game. Follow @LandRoverRugby