Torquay Athletic RFC youngsters shine at Defender Rising Stars Cup

Young players from Torquay Athletic RFC and Newton Abbot RFC were among hundreds of aspiring rugby stars who took to the pitch at West Buckland School in Barnstaple on Sunday (30 November) for the Defender Rising Stars Cup.

Hosted by Exeter Chiefs in partnership with PREM Rugby, nineteen grassroots clubs from across the West Country took part in the Under-11s and Under-12s festival, which aims to give young players a taste of a professional rugby environment while competing against teams outside their usual local circuit.

The Under-11s age group was judged on rugby’s core values - teamwork, respect, enjoyment and discipline - with development prioritised over match results.

For many players, it was their first time stepping onto a club pitch, with proud parents and coaches cheering them on throughout the day.

Exeter Chiefs players Kane James, Ben Coen and Finn Worley-Brady spent the day watching the action before presenting awards.

“What a great day! It’s impressive to see not only great skill and passion on the pitch but also teamwork and respect from these young players,” said Kane.

“Despite being at the start of their rugby journeys, many already displayed all the qualities needed to grow the next generation of players. It was great to get an insight into what could be the future of rugby today.”

Since the first Defender Rising Stars Festival in 2008, more than 125,000 children have taken part, with some progressing to play professionally for PREM Rugby clubs.

Torquay Athletic RFC Under-12 player Caleb Abbott said: “It's been really fun. It's a great tournament experience: you get to play loads of rugby, it's been physical, and also we get to meet other teams that we haven't played before.”

Newton Abbot RFC Under-11 player Kai Dodsworth added: “I've had an excellent day. The games have been really good, and I think the refereeing's been really good as well. The standard’s been high and there are some very good teams here.”

The festival forms part of PREM Rugby’s wider commitment to developing the sport at grassroots level. Defender has supported grassroots rugby in the UK for nearly two decades through the Rising Stars Cup series.

Dean Bessant, General Manager at Vertu Land Rover Exeter, said: “At Vertu Land Rover, we’re passionate about supporting grassroots rugby because strong communities are at the heart of everything we do. Watching these young players show respect, courage, and a real love for the game reflects the values we’re proud to stand behind.”

Coach Craig Lewis praised the organisation behind the event.

He said: “Credit to West Buckland School for pulling this together, the community Chiefs for managing to put it on and for the PREM rugby guys to make the effort to come down as well. It’s not just the teams that travel; it's all the admin that goes behind it.

“It’s been an incredible day and lovely to see so many other teams that we wouldn't have normally played coming together from across the Southwest.”