With normality finally starting to return to the UK, it was rugby's opportunity to take centre stage this weekend as the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup took place.

North Dorset RFC hosted an exciting Under-11 and Under-12 grassroots developmental festival on Saturday as youngsters at last got the opportunity to lace up their boots again, with Glastonbury's Tor Rugby Club 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 – has seen more than 100,000 children take part to date, with some realising their dreams of going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs.

The likes of Dorchester, Corsham and Wimborne Rugby Clubs locked horns at Slaughtergate in a hugely competitive and enjoyable festival of rugby.

And for Tor Rugby Club player Sid Taylor, who has experienced a frustrating time away from the pitch, it was a memorable experience as his side finally got back to playing.

The 11-year-old said: "It's been quite boring but we have been able to do training, so hopefully we will be better since we last played."

His clubmate Joseph Abousamra, also 11, agreed: "We haven't played a game in quite a while so just playing a game is exciting.

"My favourite thing about rugby is the speed of it, and the fact that it is quite a physical game. I love Dan Carter, he's amazing at kicking and so quick!"

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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, said: "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, more than 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

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