Llandaff North RFC Under-12s 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 rugby 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.
The local club took to the pitch at an event hosted by Blues this Saturday, with teams strutting their stuff at the Rugby Tour Finals Day.
During the tournament Llandaff North U12s 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 RFC Under-11s, who were crowned champions based on their demonstration of the shared values of rugby and Land Rover – integrity, courage, pride, composure and capability.
But despite missing out on the winners’ prize, Llandaff North RFC U12s player Harry Johnson was still proud of his side’s performances.
“It was so exciting to play in front of our family in a big stadium,” said Harry, aged 11.
“We played here last year but we tried to be better this time. We were really proud of our defensive effort throughout the day.
“We feel like we’ve made our club proud.”
Harry’s coach, Eliot Gould, added: “We try and make it as fair as possible and encourage each other to be better players and people.
“Today has been a great day for all the kids and they’ve all really enjoyed it.”
Harry and Eliot 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.
Participating 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.
He commented on the importance of grassroots rugby, helping provide developmental experience for young players to excel in a professionally run environment.
“Being here takes me back to being a youngster,” said Amos.
“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 Cardiff Blues. Land Rover has been helping rugby fans discover the sport for over twenty years. Visit LandRover.co.uk