DEFENDER RISING STARS CUP SET TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF RUGBY TALENT IN MANCHESTER
Hundreds of young rugby players from across the North West will come together at Manchester Rugby Club on Sunday 8 November as the Defender Rising Stars Cup, delivered by Sale Sharks Foundation, returns for another exciting celebration of grassroots rugby.
In partnership with PREM Rugby, the Defender Rising Stars Cup is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the junior rugby calendar. Held nationwide, the competition provides aspiring Under-11 and Under-12 players with the opportunity to experience competitive rugby in a professional environment.
The annual showcase of Defender’s commitment to grassroots rugby is designed to develop and inspire the next generation of players, combining competitive action with rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.
This year’s festival marks a significant milestone, with a dedicated girls’ tournament being introduced for the first time. The addition reflects the rapid growth of the women’s and girls’ game and the increasing demand for more opportunities for girls to compete, develop and thrive within rugby.
Recognising the teams that best demonstrate rugby’s values both on and off the pitch, selected age-group winners will earn a trip to Twickenham to watch the Gallagher PREM season finale.
Alex Lambie, Head of Rugby Development at Sale Sharks Foundation, said:
“The Defender Rising Stars Cup is always one of the highlights of the grassroots rugby season, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome clubs from across the region to Manchester Rugby Club.
“Demand to take part was once again extremely high, with 32 teams participating in this year’s festival. We’re particularly proud that, for the first time, the event will feature a dedicated Under-12 girls’ tournament.
“The continued growth of the women’s and girls’ game is fantastic to see, and we’re delighted to be able to provide more opportunities for young players to compete, develop their skills and enjoy being part of our rugby community.
“The festival is an opportunity for players to challenge themselves, make new friends, embrace rugby’s values and create memories that we hope will inspire a lifelong love of the game.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Defender Rising Stars Cup has provided more than 125,000 young people with the opportunity to experience competitive rugby and develop their skills, with some participants progressing to play professionally for PREM Rugby clubs.
As the next generation of rugby talent takes to the pitch this November, Sale Sharks Foundation’s Defender Rising Stars Cup promises to be another memorable celebration of the sport’s enduring values and community spirit.
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