ROSS-on-Wye Rugby Club Under-12 starlet Ethan Chick insists he loved every minute of his Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup experience despite missing out on a place at Twickenham, writes Katie Falkingham.

Launched during the 2008-09 season, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is the first national grassroots tournament officiated by Premiership Rugby and run in conjunction with all 12 clubs.

Gloucester Rugby Club hosted the latest leg of the competition, as the top local Under-11s and Under-12s rugby teams met at Dean Close Preparatory School in Cheltenham.

In total, more than 7,000 children will participate over the course of the campaign as they go in search of a spot in the ‘Parade of Champions’ during half-time of the Aviva Premiership Grand Final at Twickenham in May.

And while Chick was not able to lift the Under-12s trophy, his team narrowly failing to top their pool, the 11-year-old fly-half remained proud of his side.

“It was really fun,” said the John Kyrle High School pupil.

“We closely lost our first match but it was a really competitive tournament.

“I think we probably deserved to lose our first match against Tewkesbury because we didn’t really get in their half too much and they were more dominant than we were.

“Going on the pitch at Twickenham would have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, going to one of the best rugby stadiums in the world.

“I have never been before.

"I’m a Gloucester fan and I think it would be great to be a professional rugby player one day.”

Gloucester stars Henry Purdy and Nicky Thomas were also at Dean Close Preparatory School to support the day – both admitting they were very impressed with the talent on display.

And much like himself, front-rower Thomas believes events such as the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup will help all the youngsters develop a lifelong love of the sport.

“Being here it really does bring back the memories of when I used to come to events like this,” said Thomas.

“I have fond memories of the tournaments we had back in Swansea

"I can mostly remember the parents getting very excited on the sidelines!

“It’s great to come back to these things because it re-sparks some memories and nostalgia is good for the heart.

“This is where the foundation is laid for you to enjoy rugby and where you develop your love for the game."

* Land Rover is a proud supporter of grassroots rugby and a partner of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup for nearly a decade.