New club's countdown to Twickers

Players from a Shropshire rugby club which was formed only 18 months ago are preparing to scrum down for the game of their lives at the home of English rugby - Twickenham.

Members of Highley Rugby Club are preparing for a big day out after beating entries from 500 other clubs in a national magazine competition.

The club will play an inter-club match on May 31 after winning a competition in Rugby World magazine for working with the community and attracting new players to the game.

The team will take to the pitch before the Premiership final between Wasps and Leicester Tigers.

They will play a 30-minute game on the full pitch in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd for the final.

The competition asked clubs to send in 100 words answering a number of questions, including policies on how to attract new adults to the sport.

The club only has enough players for two sides, with the first team having recently ended its debut season in Midland 6 West (SW).

Club coach Dave Morris said no-one at the club could believe the team would be running out on to the world famous pitch of Twickenham.

"The whole thing is just unbelievable," he said. "We've been going for less than two years.

"From that, to get into the league and then to play at Twickenham, is like winning a cup competition," he added.

"Our two teams will go down and get the full corporate day.

"We are being given a bus for the day and a training session with the Director of Rugby or an England player beforehand.

"This is just a massive thing for us.

"From 500 clubs, we have been chosen - a little village - and we have come out on top."

Highley will take to the pitch at 1.05pm with the main final due to kick off at 3pm.

By Jonathan Wood