By James Robinson

The Aviva Premiership final may be eight months away, but Blackheath U12s starlet Shaun Collett admits he will be counting down the days after booking his spot at Twickenham with victory in the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.

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.

More than 7,000 children will participate in the competition this season as they go in search of a spot in the ‘Parade of Champions’ during half-time of the Aviva Premiership Grand Final.

And Collett made sure to put Blackheath on the guest list for the second year in a row as he and his Under-12s side strutted their stuff in Sunday’s opening tournament hosted by Wasps at Farnham Royal Rugby Club.

The team went unbeaten throughout the group stages before defeating Oxford Harlequins in the Cup final and Collett insisted he could not be prouder.

“It feels good to win. I had a lot of fun,” said the 11-year-old.  

“The best part was having my winger score the winning try in the final.”

“I play No 8. I got a try to settle the match in the quarter finals, and put in two big tackles.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the season now.”

Hooker Angus Sheahan,11, added : “It’s exciting to play in the tournament because we played last year, and succeeded.

“It feels tougher this time for some reason, I think because of the extra man.

“It is really exciting to get to Twickenham, especially as we marched round last year which was so fun.”

Also casting an eye over the team on the day was Wasps duo Sam Jones and Josh Bassett who offered advice to the competitors as well as helping out with the trophy and medal presentation.

And winger Bassett admitted he had already picked out a few stars for the future.

“It’s absolutely amazing seeing the youngsters out there doing their stuff,” he said.

“I didn’t start rugby until I was in the U15s so to see the exposure that these U11s and U12s get at events like this is absolutely amazing.

“Playing in this many games in a day and getting that many touches on the ball is what rugby is all about.

“I’ve seen a few players out there with some eye-catching footwork. I’m really impressed by the skills, it’s a really high level.”

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.