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By Mark Stevens

Youngsters from Taunton and Ivybridge Rugby Clubs will be heading for Twickenham next year after they were crowned winners in this season’s Exeter Chiefs Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.

The annual tournament for Under-11s and Under-12s once again proved hugely successful with over 650 children taking part in the grassroots event held at Exeter Saracens RFC on Sunday.

As one of 12 different tournaments to take part across all Aviva Premiership clubs, the successful series allows young rugby players to showcase their abilities in a professionally run environment.

The Under-12 final proved a fantastic spectacle for those in attendance with Ivybridge keeping their composure to secure a fine victory over Wellington. In the Under-11 final, Taunton were triumphant, playing with great confidence to defeat Redruth.

As well as winning the tournament, the young players have also won places in the prestigious Land Rover Parade of Champions where they will be presented to a sell-out crowd at Twickenham during the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final next May.

Overseeing the whole day was Chiefs’ Community Development Manager, Marc Dibble, who said: “Each year the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup seems to get big and better. For us as a club, it’s a great opportunity to engage with so many local rugby clubs in a competition that offers some great rewards for those involved.

“Once again the standard of play from all those involved was excellent and it underlines what great talent we have coming through within the region.”

In addition, the Land Rover Spirit of Rugby Award, which goes to a player who demonstrated the values or rugby, went to Truro’s Jack Ovens.

As an additional treat, participants were also able to meet Exeter Chiefs players Kieran Davies, Stu Townsend and Joel Conlon, all of whom helped to hand out the prizes, as well as signing autographs and posing for pictures.