Exeter Chiefs Community celebrate inclusion at Bradfords Cup tournament

Exeter Chiefs Community welcomed more than 650 children from 35 clubs to their annual Bradfords Cup tag rugby tournament at Woodbury Park on Sunday, 18 October.

The competition, which is run in connection with Bradfords Building Supplies, aims to foster further opportunities to thrive in a sporting environment for children in U7s and U8s teams in the local area.

Community coach Nick Gillard said: “The Bradfords Cup was an incredible spectacle. To see hundreds of young people playing the sport, with a smile on their face, with the sun shining, it really brought a warmth to the community team.

“For their first chance to play rugby in a festival in a central venue league format, meant these young people had a positive impact with the sport we all love.”

More than 300 U7s took part in addition to 360 U8s from clubs all the way from Taunton to Bude in Cornwall.

As part of the annual tournament, each team was invited to take a squad photo on the day. These will all be shared on Bradfords’ social media channels with supporters encouraged to vote for their favourite team.

The lucky winners will then receive the unforgettable opportunity to play at Sandy Park as part of the pre-match celebration to Exeter Chiefs’ round 11 Gallagher PREM fixture against Northampton Saints in March 2027.