Papa Johns Community Cup Finals preview
Eight teams will go for glory at Twickenham this Sunday for the Papa Johns Community Cup Finals Day.
Having battled through many rounds against teams across the country, this Sunday at Twickenham represents an opportunity for a celebration of the community game. The action commences at 11am, where Liverpool St Helens and Dings Crusaders will battle for the Papa Johns Women’s Junior Cup on the same day the two clubs are also competing in the National Girls’ U18 Final at Sixways.
Dings have covered some miles on their way to the final, defeating Aylesford Bulls Ladies 24-10 in the semi-finals after a 38-14 win at Horsham in the quarter-final. Liverpool St. Helens were in fine form defeating Boston Ladies 62-5 in the semis after a big victory on the road when taking down Skipton Ladies 58-5 in the last eight.
Dings Crusaders’ centre and captain April Callanan said: “When we all found out we could potentially play at Twickenham we were all very excited so knuckled down and won all of our games and the girls are massively looking forward to it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and we’re definitely going to grab it with both hands, play as well as we can and hopefully the team will come out with the win.”
Liverpool St. Helens captain Alyx Bridge said: “We are really excited, we have been looking forward to this for a long time, so the only way to better it really is to win this game at Twickenham. It means a lot to play at Twickenham, not a lot of people can say they have played there, and to do it in our first ladies season as one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country is such a privilege.”
At 1pm, Cheltenham Tigers Women 2nd XV clash with Hackney Gladies in the Papa Johns Women’s Intermediate Cup Final. Cheltenham are used to being on the road, after semi-final glory away at Crewe and Nantwich Ladies and a 26-22 win against Lichfield Ladies in the quarter-final. Their opponents Hackney edged past Ivybridge 10-0 in the semi-final in the last eight.
Cheltenham Tigers Women’s President and respected broadcaster Jill Douglas said: “It’s a huge honour for the club to be represented by the first and second team at Twickenham on finals day. It’s been a tremendous effort from the squad and it shows the strength and depth of the teams and it's fantastic to see how well we’ve been doing and how much fun we're all going to have at Twickenham on Sunday.”
Hackney coach John Simons said: “We’re excited for it, we have a great opportunity to do something that hasn’t been done before by the club. It’s a great crescendo for the ladies, they’ve come on quite a long journey so I think there will be a lot of support.”
It will certainly be a special day for Cheltenham Tigers, who are also in action in the Papa Johns Women’s Championship Play-off final, where they will play Leicester Tigers. Cheltenham defeated Bath Rugby 47-22 in the semi-final, while Leicester won 31-19 against Old Albanians Ladies.
Cheltenham Tigers captain Maddie Massey said: “It’s all a bit surreal, there’s been so much to get through and I’m hoping we can focus on the day and get the job done. I think a win would mean some great celebrations and some sore heads on Monday as well as lots of stories to tell from the day and evening, it’s huge for us to be at Twickenham.”
Leicester Tigers Head of Women’s Rugby Vicky MacQueen told BBC Radio Leicester: "We want to go out and make a statement and win it all because we want to be going into the Premier 15s next season full in the knowledge that we've made sure we have done all we can to get there all off our own back.
"That win at Twickenham will be really important."
The final match of the day sees Driffield take on Havant in the Papa Johns Men’s Regional 1 Championship Final at 5pm. Both of these sides had to dig deep to reach the hallowed turf, with Driffield coming from behind to win 36-33 against Syston in a thriller and Havant edging past Heath 27-21.
Driffield Chairman of Rugby Patrick ‘Bash’ Burdass said: “I think a win would have a massive impact. It would feel like we’ve done our club proud, a huge amount of people put a lot of work into the club and its reward for all those people.”
Havant Director of Rugby Rob Matthews said: “The opportunity that the Papa John's Community Cup gives is massive, playing a game at Twickenham is probably the highlight of most rugby players careers."
At the climax of a memorable first season of the new tournament, RFU Player Experience Director Ben Lowe said: "The Papa John’s Community Cup has been a fantastic opportunity for teams to re-ignite local rivalries or face new opposition in their race to the finals. Our thanks to all the teams who have made the competition an exciting spectacle and best of luck to all the teams in finals over the next two weekends."
Speaking on the competition, Rebecca Rose, Senior Marketing Director at Papa Johns UK said: “It’s been amazing to see the skill and talent on show so far in this season’s Papa Johns Community Cup, we can’t wait for Sunday’s finals and to see winners crowned up and down the country. As title sponsors of the men’s and women’s competitions we’re passionate about promoting teamwork, respect and enjoyment, regardless of age and ability, and ensuring that the Community Cup delivers on the values of grassroots rugby. Good luck to all competing teams and we’re excited to celebrate with you all on Sunday.”
