YOUNGSTERS from 40 local rugby clubs will enjoy an opportunity of a lifetime on Sunday as they take part in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, according to London Irish captain George Skivington.

Launched during the 2008-09 season, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is the first national grassroots tournament officiated by Premiership Rugby and the U11 and U12 event this weekend will be hosted by London Irish at Reading Abbey RFC.

Over 7,000 children take part in the competition, with the winners from each festival taking part in the Parade of Champions at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham on 28 May, where they are presented to a sell-out crowd at half-time.

Rugby clubs will go head-to-head in a round-robin rugby festival and will also get the chance to meet and obtain advice from members of the London Irish first team.

Speaking ahead of the event, London Irish skipper Skivington said: "I still remember playing at this age and loving my rugby so I can't wait to hear how they get along. I'm sure the children will enjoy the game like I did.

"It's so good that Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs run these types of events - I'm sure that there will be some of the next generation of London Irish players on show.

"It's crucial that the event is also supported by sponsors such as Land Rover - junior tournaments are the foundations of rugby in the community, and something we should be really proud of."

Land Rover is a proud supporter of grassroots rugby and a partner of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup for nearly a decade. Land Rover’s ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign aims to champion grassroots rugby on the global stage. To find out more about the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, visit premiershiprugby.com/landrovercup. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal

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