With normality finally starting to return to the UK, it was rugby’s opportunity to take centre stage as the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup returned at Bristol Bears.

Bristol Grammar School and Lockleaze Sports Centre hosted an exciting Under-11 and Under-12 grassroots developmental festival as youngsters at last got the opportunity to lace up their boots again, with Clevedon, Hornets and Winscombe among the competing teams.

This successful series of nationwide events, now running for nearly two decades and organised by Land Rover - the Official Vehicle of Premiership Rugby.

The likes of Gordano, Chew Valley and Chipping Sodbury Rugby Clubs locked horns on the Bristol Bears stage in a hugely competitive and enjoyable festival of rugby.

North Somerset Times: The young Hornets in action during the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.The young Hornets in action during the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup. (Image: Beat Media Group)

And for Clevedon under-12s star Rafael Franklin, who has experienced a frustrating time away from the pitch, it was a memorable experience as his side finally got back to playing.

Franklin, 12, said: “It was really exciting to be back out at a rugby tournament again after such a long time. There was a great spirit and everyone’s had a really good time.

“We didn’t get chance to see much of each other during the pandemic so it’s been great to be back together, doing what we love to do best.

“I’ve been playing rugby for as long as I can remember, and my dream is to become a professional. Being back out there has reminded me why that would be so special.”

The competition was a fantastic spectacle for those in attendance, with the highly competitive fixtures providing a meaningful platform for youngsters to develop their rugby skills.

Land Rover ambassador Lewis Moody, who racked up 71 caps for England, added: “The return of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup across the country is a huge boost for grassroots rugby.

“It is one of the longest standing national series of rugby festivals for Under-11 and Under-12 youngsters and is always a date in the season that clubs look forward to being part of.

“It cannot be underestimated how important these grassroots rugby events are for rugby in the UK. Youngsters will learn vital lessons by playing in these festivals, that will serve them on and off the rugby pitch.

“To date, over 100,000 youngsters have taken part in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, with several players going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs. This shows the pathway these youngsters can take on their rugby journey, thanks to Land Rover’s support of grassroots rugby.”

The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is testament to Land Rover’s commitment to supporting rugby at all levels; from grassroots to elite. Follow @LandRoverRugby to discover more. #DiscoverRugby.