HE MAY have missed out on the chance of walking out at Twickenham, but Cullompton Under-11s starlet Ryan Hill insisted he had still loved every minute of his Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup experience.

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 Exeter Chiefs hosted their event as local under-11s and under-12s mini rugby teams battled it out at Exeter Saracens Rugby Club.

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.

And while captain Hill was not able to lift the Under-11s Cup trophy for a spot at Rugby HQ, his Cullompton side unable to escape the group stages after one win from three matches, the 10-year-old remained proud of his team.

“It’s a great experience being here with all these other teams, I wasn’t expecting it to be as big as it is, but that is a good surprise,” said The Duchy School student.

“Being with the team is the best thing, and Rugby is a great team sport.

“Getting into the Devon rugby squad is my aim, but maybe I could go all the way to the Premiership one day. I’d like to do that.

Cullompton were not the only side from the area in action, as Crediton under-12s went home after the group stage, drawing one of their four matches.

Despite this 11-year-old Liam Bayley enjoyed his Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup experience.

“Rugby is my favourite sport- I love the feel of it and everyone follows its core values,” he said. “It’s also great how everyone comes together to work and improve. It’s a team effort and this tournament has brought us together more.

“I play inside centre and so my hero is Brian O’Driscoll. I love running, scoring and tackling and want to play for England and the British and Irish Lions someday.”

Land Rover supports grassroots rugby and provides the opportunity for over 7,000 youngsters to take part in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup each season. Keep up to date with the latest Land Rover rugby activity by following @LandRoverRugby on Twitter.