STROUD Rugby Club Under-12 starlet Arthur Early insists 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.

And on Sunday Gloucester Rugby hosted the latest leg of the competition, as the top local Under-11s and Under-12s rugby teams met at Dean Close Preparatory School in Cheltenham.

In total over 7,000 children will participate over the course of the campaign as they go in search of a spot in the ‘Parade of Champions’ during half-time of the Aviva Premiership Grand Final at Twickenham in May.

And while Early was not able to lift the Under-12s trophy, his team narrowly failing to top their pool, the 11-year-old outside centre remained proud of his side.

“It has been really fun,” said the Marling School pupil. “It’s the first time we’ve been to this tournament so it’s really exciting getting to play lots of different teams.

“We lost a match to Bredon thanks to an unlucky interception try which meant we didn’t win the pool but we played very well and we haven’t played like this in ages.

“I still think we’re going to do really well because we’ve got a lot better over the years. We’re through to the next round of the County Cup so it’s all really exciting.

“To go to Twickenham would have been amazing, just brilliant. I’ve never been before, but I’m a Gloucester fan so I’ve been to Kingsholm a few times.

“My dream is to be a professional rugby player and to play for England one day.”

Gloucester stars Henry Purdy and Nicky Thomas were also at Dean Close Preparatory School to support the day – both admitting they were very impressed with the talent on display.

And much like himself, front-rower Thomas believes events such as the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup will help all the youngsters develop a lifelong love of the sport.

“Being here it really does bring back the memories of when I used to come to events like this,” said Thomas.

“I have fond memories of the tournaments we had back in Swansea. I can mostly remember the parents getting very excited on the sidelines”

Land Rover’s campaign aims to champion grassroots rugby on the global stage during Rugby World Cup 2015. Follow @Land RoverRugby #WeDealInReal.