Dorset and Wiltshire have named their 37-player squad ahead of the 2025 Jason Leonard U20s County Championship.
Last year, the dual counties managed to get to the final, only to be beaten by East Midlands at Twickenham.
Manager Mark Adam speaks about the squad selection process and how the key decisions were made.
“We start advertising to all the eligible clubs in Dorset and Wiltshire, and then are given a list of all the players over the age of 18 but under the age of 20.
“This is the first official competition that a lot of these young men will take part in, and any counties across England can take part in the competition, so it’s a big step up.”
Adam has been involved in the set up for three years now, and has gained a breadth of experience and knowledge at this level.
Due to the number of teams competing in the tournament, counties are split up geographically to make up leagues.
“We’re in the South West league, and we’ll look to progress to the knockout stages which can lead us all the way to Twickenham.
“Last year we made it to Twickenham and lost by two points and it was a heartbreaking feeling but we gained so many positive memories along the way, and we’re determined to go that extra step.
“It’s the ultimate aim for young players to play at Twickenham, especially those who haven’t been snapped by academies and are just playing for their local clubs.”
Trial sessions have already taken place for the initial squad announcement however further cuts will need to made before the tournament can get underway.
“Unfortunately more will people will be cut after our next training session on Sunday 16th February, as we need to narrow the squad down to 30 players for game days.”
The first game Dorset and Wiltshire will play is on the 27th April against Berkshire.
“On that day there can only be 25 players in attendance, with 23 in the squad and two travelling reserves.
“Sadly it means more players will have to be cut from the first squad, but a lot can change in that time.”
New Sponsor for Dorset and Wiltshire
Additionally, Howden Insurance are helping grassroots clubs, including Dorset and Wiltshire, by providing kits for everyone.
The Dorset and Wiltshire will bear a green and white kit for the tournament, similar kit to the infamous red and white kit of the Canterbury team.
Manager Mark Adam said: “That playing kit alone will last us at least three years, and they’ve also provided us with match balls, water bottles and training tops.
“It really helps with the young guys playing, as they feel really valued turning up with new kit and everything feelsa smart!”
Howden’s sponsorship comes as a result of the upcoming Lions tour, and their willingness to branch out into grassroots rugby.
“I’m very lucky that I know the CEO of Howden so that’s brilliant!”
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