NEW Milton Rugby Club under-11 starlet Finn Walder insisted he loved every minute of his Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup experience despite missing out on a place at Twickenham.

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.

Recently, Harlequins hosted the latest leg of the competition as the top local under-11 teams met at Richmond upon Thames College in the shadow of Twickenham Stadium.

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

And while Walder was not able to lift the under-11s trophy, his team narrowly failing to reach the final, the 10-year-old remained proud of his side.

“We did well in the competition,” said the William Gilpin School pupil. “I enjoyed it because most of the time we play against teams we know like Winchester and we know how they play.

“However, we didn't know how some of the teams we were up against would play because we’ve never even seen them.

“It was the first time we had played most of them so it was about adjusting to their style. When you first play a team and beat them you feel you’ve earned it.

“There were some really good teams there, too. I can’t wait to, hopefully, progress here and get better as we get older.”

Harlequins Academy stars Archie White and Sam Aspland-Robinson were at Richmond upon Thames College to support the event, both admitting they had been impressed with the talent on display.

And much as similar events did for him, flanker White believes the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup will help youngsters develop a lifelong love of the sport.

“Growing up, I played for Sutton and Epsom, so you’re coming to these sort of things all the time,” said White.

“Being able to put your talent on show in front of some of these guys is a really good experience for the youngsters and I think it’s great for the future.

“Getting people more involved in the sport is the main thing and that starts with grassroots rugby.

“I’m sure that’s where most professionals started – it’s a massive experience and it’s growing as well. It’s so good for the future of the sport.”

n Land Rover is a proud supporter of grassroots rugby and a partner of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup for nearly a decade. Land Rover’s ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign aims to champion grassroots rugby on the global stage during Rugby World Cup 2015. Follow @Land RoverRugby.