The Defender Rising Stars Cup, delivered in partnership with PREM Rugby, once again showcased the very best of emerging youth talent as hundreds of young players from across the region came together at Kingston Park.
Held on Sunday 29th March at the home of the Newcastle Red Bulls, the festival welcomed an incredible 67 teams from Under 11 and Under 12 age groups, offering young players the opportunity to experience a memorable day of rugby in a professional stadium environment.
Celebrating Grassroots Rugby
The Defender Rising Stars Cup is an annual celebration of Defender’s longstanding commitment to grassroots rugby. Since its inception in 2008, the tournament has created opportunities for more than 125,000 young players across the country.
With events hosted nationwide throughout the season, the festival provides aspiring players with the chance to test themselves in competitive fixtures, while embracing the core values that define the sport:
Teamwork – Respect – Enjoyment – Discipline – Sportsmanship
These principles remain central to every event, helping to shape confident, resilient young athletes both on and off the pitch.
Spirit of Rugby on Display
One of the standout moments of the festival is the presentation of the Spirit of Rugby Award, recognising teams who best embody the values of the game throughout the day.
This year’s winners were:
- Under 11s – Horden and Peterlee
- Under 12s – Whitby
Both teams demonstrated outstanding attitude, respect and sportsmanship, truly reflecting the ethos of the Defender Rising Stars Cup.
As a result, they will now go on to represent the Newcastle Red Bulls at the Premiership Final in June — an incredible opportunity and a well-deserved reward for their efforts.
Building the Future of the Game
Events like the Defender Rising Stars Cup continue to play a vital role in developing the next generation of rugby players, providing unforgettable experiences and inspiring young people to stay active, engaged and connected through sport.
Newcastle Rugby Foundation is proud to support initiatives like this, helping to grow the game and positively impact communities across the North East.
