- The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is a grassroots initiative run in conjunction with Premiership Rugby and Land Rover, Official Vehicle of Premiership Rugby
- Regional winners of the national rugby tournament earned a place on the parade of champions at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham and met Rugby World Cup winner Martin Johnson
Whitley, Coventry, 31st May 2013 ‑Over 600 young rugby stars took part in a very special 'Land Rover Parade of Champions' at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final in front of a sell‑out Twickenham crowd. Just before they entered the pitch, the players met the Rugby World Cup winning captain, Martin Johnson, who had come to congratulate the players and share some advice and guidance with them. Proud sponsor Land Rover gave this unique opportunity to the youngsters who had won their respective regional finals of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.
Commenting on the day, Land Rover ambassador, Martin Johnson, said: "I would love to have had an opportunity like this when I was younger. To parade as a champion at Twickenham is a unique opportunity that they won't forget. I hope today's experience will help to encourage all these great players to continue playing rugby and, with Land Rover's backing, we can be confident that the next generation of players are receiving all the support they need."
After meeting with their rugby hero, the young rugby enthusiasts got to watch the exciting battle where Leicester Tigers were crowned Aviva Premiership Rugby Champions. Not only did they get to see their heroes play at Twickenham but they got to parade around the pitch at half time to celebrate their Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup win in front of a sell‑out crowd.
The U11 and U12 teams' excitement on the day was clear and youngster Wilf Fitzgibbon, Beaconsfield RFC, said: "I can't believe I went to Twickenham and met Martin Johnson. It was really exciting; to go on the pitch at half time of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final and walk out there in front of so many people was amazing. I now really want to play there when I'm older. I'm so pleased we won the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup."
Commenting on the support of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: "Today is a very special day for everyone at Land Rover. It gives us great delight that through the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup these young, aspiring rugby players are able to fulfil a dream and come to Twickenham and meet Martin Johnson, somebody they aspire to be. The tournament is a significant initiative of which we are very proud, and which provides a unique opportunity for young players to channel their enthusiasm for the sport and to play in a national tournament. Land Rover's commitment to rugby covers every level of the game, from Rugby World Cup 2015 through to the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, and we are committed to supporting the development of the young players of the future."
The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is part of Land Rover's on‑going support for grassroots rugby. The tournament, which began in 2008, is officiated by Premiership Rugby and run in conjunction with all 12 Premiership Clubs. Through this, over 40,000 aspiring young players take part in under 11 and under 12 festivals all over the country. Land Rover remain proud partners of the thriving programme.
This initiative further illustrates Land Rover's commitment to rugby at all levels of the game, from the elite of the British & Irish Lions and Rugby World Cup 2015 to the next generation of players across the country.
ENDS
For more information on the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup please visit: www.landrover.co.uk/rugby
Footage from the day can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVMRLKlGHKc&feature=youtu.be
For further information and to download images, film and media packs, log onto www.media.landrover.com or contact:
Rachel Murray
Land Rover Press Officer
T: 07780494282
E: rmurra73@jaguarlandrover.com
Lucinda Hird
Communications Manager
T: 07977405819
E: lucinda.hird@fasttrackagency.com
Kim
Palmer
Senior Press Officer, Land Rover UK
T: 02476 564 129
M: 07795 666169
E: kpalmer@landrover.com
- Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true breadth of capability across the model range. Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors. Land Rover products are currently sold in approximately 180 global markets
- Land Rover is the Official Vehicle of Premiership Rugby, the British & Irish Lions and Rugby World Cup 2015
- The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is the first national grassroots tournament officiated by Premiership Rugby and run in conjunction with all 12 Premiership clubs across the country. Launched in the 2008‑09 season, Land Rover and each Premiership club host mini rugby teams from the surrounding region to participate in the festivals. The winners from each festival take part in a Parade of Champions at Twickenham in the Aviva Premiership Final
- For more information on Land Rover and their rugby sponsorship visit www.landrover.co.uk/rugby