Shropshire Star

Eagles book Twickenham date

Oswestry 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.

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The competition, 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.

Worcester Warriors hosted their event at Sixways with 44 teams strutting their stuff across an under-12 and under-11 festival.

And in the under-11 competition Oswestry’s young Eagles 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.

Oliver Cooper, from Oswestry, was excited to be there on the day and thanked Worcester for giving him a special day at rugby HQ to look forward too.

The 10-year-old said: “It’s unbelievable. We’re just a small, little town going to London and to go to Twickenham for a huge match.

“I loved playing rugby at Worcester Warriors, we won all our matches and we cannot wait to go to the final next year.

“It was really good fun to play with my friends and I got a few assists as well. This will be my first time at Twickenham and I cannot wait.

“I was so excited when we were told it would be our team that has been chosen to go to Twickenham, everyone is excited.”

Meanwhile, local rivals Whitchurch and Bridgnorth also participated in the competition, just losing out on the coveted prize.

Participating players at the festival also had the opportunity to meet Worcester Warriors duo Ethan Waller and Jamie Shillcock who took time out of their schedules to watch the young teams as well as offer some coaching tips between games.

And Waller commented on the importance of grassroots rugby, saying: “It’s a brilliant day for rugby,” said Waller. “It’s great for these young guys to come down and play. We had 44 teams across the under-11 and under-12 events, it was fantastic.

“Everyone gets a chance to play against each other, see what the sport is about and meet new people as well.

“For anyone to get the chance to go to Twickenham it’s a really special occasion, there’s nothing better than stepping on the hallowed turf and it’s something they will savour for a long time.”

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