Coventry side Old Coventrians and Rutland’s Oakham will be aiming to win the prestigious tournament for the first time and Tigers community manager Scott Clarke says they are worthy finalists.
“The commitment and passion that both of the teams have brought to this season’s competition makes them deserved finalists,” Clarke says.
Old Coventrians have been in excellent form to reach the final. They won through from their local festival at Lutterworth RFC in the autumn before beating neighbours Leamington at Welford Road in their quarter-final. They then beat in the semi-final to reach their first ever Prima Tiger Cup Final.
Old Coventrians head coach Alan Warwood, a former Tigers centre who scored four tries in 27 appearances for the club, said: “The players can’t wait. They have been to Welford Road twice before and they are really excited about playing here again. The coaches are more nervous than the players.”
Oakham have also been impressive in their march to today’s final. They also emerged from their local festival at Lutterworth RFC before beating Ipswich in the quarter-final and Norfolk side Wymondham in a hard-fought semi-final.
James Cooper, Oakham Under-10s head coach, said: “The players are nervous but also looking forward to it as well.
“All but one of them are Leicester Tigers fans and they are doing what their heroes do. As a youngster it is something that’s special to all of them and us as coaches as well. It is a great achievement.”
Now in its 17th season, the Prima Tiger Cup is supported by Loughborough-based Prima Solutions. It is a contact tournament open to all under-10s teams from across the country, with more than 50 teams entering this season's competition.
For more information contact the Tigers community team on 0844 856 1880 or visit the club website at www.leicestertigers.com/prima