Bradford-on-Avon U12s made waves as they participated at the Land Rover Rugby Tour finals day at Cardiff Arms Park, enjoying a once in a lifetime opportunity before having the chance to meet international stars.
Over 700 youngsters took part in the Land Rover rugby events across the UK, with six teams qualifying for the Finals Day at the home of Cardiff Blues, Bradford among them.
During they demonstrated plenty of effort and skill but fell just short of winning an exciting training session with a Land Rover rugby ambassador.
That honour went to Perthshire U11s, who were crowned champions.
But despite missing out on the winners’ prize, Jos Wright, 10, and Eve Nott, 11, were still proud of their side’s performances.
“Today has been amazing,” said Jos. “The clubs here were really friendly and it made the day really fun.
“The game has so much respect and sportsmanship - it is what makes the sport special.”
Eve added: “I scored a really good try but the work of my teammates made it easy for me.
“It felt very nice to get one of the first tries for my team. I had never sprinted that fast before. We were all so excited and it made me really happy.”
Jos and Eve were speaking at the culmination of a season-long series of grassroots rugby festivals hosted by Land Rover’s partner clubs Bath Rugby, Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff Blues.
The players in Cardiff also had the opportunity to meet Wales international Hallam Amos, who took time out of his schedule to watch the young teams as well as offer some coaching tips between games.
“Being here takes me back to being a youngster,” he said. “These days you would really enjoy it, it is a great opportunity for them. It’s been nice for me to come meet the kids and give anything I can get back.
“I remember meeting Ian Gough when I was 10-years old at one of these when he was giving out prizes, then fast forward eight years later and I was playing with him at the Dragons.
“So you never know, some of these could be playing with me one day.”
Land Rover is the Official Vehicle Partner of Bath Rugby. Land Rover has been helping rugby fans discover the sport for over twenty years. Visit LandRover.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here