Twickenham will host Papa Johns Community Cup Finale
Twickenham Stadium will host the finals of the Papa Johns Community Cup. It has been agreed, that the men’s and women’s finals will take place over an action-packed weekend of rugby from 29 April to 1 May which will showcase both grassroots and international rugby together.
England women play France in their final game of the TikTok Six Nations on the Saturday, before the women’s finals on the Sunday and the men’s finals on bank holiday Monday in the Papa Johns Community Cup.
Papa Johns became the first naming rights partner of the Community Cup, announced at Trafford MVRFC, as part of a long-term deal in August 2022. The Community Cup men’s programme will take place at the end of the 2022/2023 season, prompted by community clubs’ and players’ feedback regarding the season being too congested. The new format reflects current needs allowing players to have something to play for however their season has gone without worries about the next league game. It will also provide clubs with the chance for more home games after the league season has ended in a crescendo to the community game season.
The women’s competition has already kicked off, with the first round of games in September. The Cup has already seen old club rivalries brought back to life in the women’s competition and will see similar in the men’s Cup nationwide.
Entry for the men’s competition will be live in November, with the RFU committed to supporting all clubs taking part. Details of a support package will be announced during November.
RFU Chief Executive Officer, Bill Sweeney, said: “This Community Cup will, with Papa Johns support, be important for the grassroots game as it gives clubs something to play for beyond league status and the chance to play at Twickenham Stadium, which is every rugby player’s dream and create lifelong memories for team mates and club followers.”
Liz Williams, Chief International Operating Officer at Papa Johns, said: We’re delighted that the community clubs will have the opportunity to play the final at such as prestigious venue. The hard work put in by the teams throughout the season will be rewarded at the Community Cup final and we’re proud to support them on this journey.”