On Sunday 25th October, as rugby fans across the world begin focusing on the afternoon’s second semi-final of the Rugby World Cup, some 350 tough, aspirational kids 10 years and under will be beginning their own journeys to possible victory in the inaugural Oakman Cup.

Oakman Inns & Restaurants has created and funded The Oakman Cup, a new Rugby Football tournament for nine of the local RFU clubs which the company and its award winning pubs, inns and restaurants sponsor. The Oakman Cup is also supported by international apparel company, BLK and the UK’s multi-sport tour operator Gullivers Sports Travel.

Allianz Park, one of the elite sporting venues in Greater London, has agreed to provide exclusive use of their top quality facilities, which means the young players will be competing on the same 4G artificial surface as many of their rugby heroes.

For Oakman’s Founder and CEO, Peter Borg-Neal, this tournament underlines the ethos that drives so much of Oakman’s support for and engagement with their local communities. It also continues his love of Rugby and underlines the importance he believes sport can play at grass roots level in developing and helping young people enrich their lives through team games, fitness and fair play. Peter has played rugby for much of his life, was Head Coach, Director of Rugby and Chairman of Tring RFC. “The Oakman Cup, and indeed our various sports sponsorships, allows us to put something back into the clubs that we sponsor and the communities we all support and strive for.”

RFU President, Jason Leonard OBE, has sent a personal message in support of the Oakman Cup saying:
“The mini rugby players involved will be tremendously excited by the Rugby World Cup and looking to show the same values as their rugby heroes on the pitch. Teamwork will be key, of course, discipline too and I have no doubt that the young players will show respect for the referee and the opposition. But, most of all, rugby is about enjoyment, so I do hope that they all have tremendous fun.”

The day will start at 10:00 with the official opening at 10:30. Trophy presentations to the winning teams and runners up will be made at 15:00, following which participants and their families are invited to stay and watch the RWC 2015 semi-final in the RFU 100 Club Room.