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 returned at Leicester Tigers.

Brooksby Melton College hosted an exciting Under-11 and Under-12 grassroots developmental festival on Sunday as youngsters at last got the opportunity to lace up their boots again, with Oakham and Stoneygate Rugby Clubs 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 Market Harborough, Loughborough, Melton Mowbray and Lincoln Rugby Clubs locked horns at Brooksby Hall in a hugely competitive and enjoyable festival of rugby.

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

Miles, 12, said: "It's been hard not playing rugby. When it stopped, I didn't really know what to do on Sundays! I was always so used to being at rugby for a couple of hours. It felt like something was missing. It just wasn't as exciting.

"I just love the enthusiasm and the people that play rugby. They are all really nice people, you always feel welcome on the pitch.

"I'm playing fly-half at the moment and I really enjoy it because you are near the centre so you always know what is happening."

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, added: "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, over 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."

By Sportsbeat