Every young rugby player dreams of playing at Twickenham in front of a roaring crowd of fans and loved ones. The home of English rugby has an aura of pride and national identity, with over 100 years of history connected to the arena that holds a host of memories for so many people.
For so many promising young stars, the dream of playing in front of the famous green seats has not become a reality. But thanks to the RFU’s decision to introduce community rugby to HQ, those playing in the grassroots game now have the opportunity to play on a stage that they may not have thought possible.
The weekend just gone saw the finest sides in the community game take to the hallowed turf in the Papa Johns Community Cup finals. The competition, which was held nationally, included the top two sides in each league to face against others around the country, allowing local sides the opportunity to test themselves against teams that play an entirely different style of rugby
Here are the results from the finals:
Men’s Regional 1 Championship – Heath RUFC 35 – 35 Barnstaple – Heath won with the ‘first try scored‘ rule.
Men’s Regional 2 Championship – Northampton Old Scouts RFC 26 – 35 Southend RFC
Men’s Counties 1 Championship – Longlevens RFC 25 – 19 Widnes RUFC
Men’s Counties 2 Championship – Brunel University RFC 31 – 43 Old Rutlishians RFC
Men’s Counties 3 & below Championship Final – Old Elthamians 45 – 22 Wigan
Women’s Championship Playoff – Thurrock Ladies 1st 10 – 42 Cheltenham Tigers Women
Women’s Intermediate Cup – Lichfield Ladies 7 – 12 Old Albanians Ladies 2nd
Women’s Junior Cup – Sheffield Tigers Women 14 – 36 Thurrock Ladies 2nd
Watching the teams perform in what would likely be the most important match of their careers, the level of skill on display was clear to see. Playing on the finest surface in England, these matches truly lived up to the occasion that was set before them.
England Rugby have come up with their favourite selection of tries across the weekend, check them out for yourselves:
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For the full match replays, check out the below:
Day 1:
Day 2:
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