WORCESTER Rugby Club welcomed the next generation of budding stars to Sixways for their annual junior festival.

More than 600 boys and girls from 14 clubs braved the cold to show skill, commitment and teamwork in almost 130 games.

Under sevens and eights got to emulate their Warriors heroes on the main Sixways pitch.

Worcester, Droitwich and Malvern all won at least one trophy, while Switzerland’s Zug, based near Zurich, sent teams over.

“We have a great relationship with Worcester,” said Bill Kingdom, who organised Zug’s trip.

“One of our coaches, Ian Morris, moved to Switzerland from Worcester a few years ago and has helped to build some really strong links. We have hosted touring teams from Worcester and the Warriors community team have visited us to develop our coaches.

“Our players have been really excited at the opportunity to pit themselves against teams from the UK.”

Colin Amos, who led the Worcester team of organisers, said: “We have seen a fantastic day of rugby with some terrific individual and team performances.

“But more importantly the games were played with respect, discipline and real team spirit. The players were a credit to themselves and their clubs.”

WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP

Under 7s Cup: Worcester, Ledbury; Plate: Hereford, Bromsgrove; Bowl: Bromsgrove, Matson; Shield: Worcester, Worcester; Under 8s Cup: Malvern, Worcester; Plate: Chiswick, Worcester; Bowl: St Bernadette’s, Matson; Under 9s Cup: Droitwich, Matson; Plate: Malvern, Zug; Bowl: Worcester, Zug; Under 10s Cup: Ledbury, Worcester; Plate: St Bernadette’s, Chiswick; Under 11s Cup: Barry, Ledbury; Plate: Matson, Worcester; Under 12s Cup: Wolverhampton, Worcester; Plate: Zug, Hereford.