DORSET & Wilts Under-20s could make history as they to take on Cheshire Under-20s in the Jason Leonard National Cup Final on Sunday (2pm).

The young side have a plethora of talent available to them after focusing their efforts targeting players who have yet to be picked up by the academy rugby system, and manager Mike Sams says that this approach has led them to attract some excellent untapped talent.

He said: “We focus on player development and have built a platform that offers a higher level of rugby than club level, which then builds the individual player a pathway to a potential England counties cap.

“We continually strive to offer the best rugby experience outside of academy rugby at the Premiership clubs.

“Academy rugby is great for those very few who may be offered a professional contract, although the reality is that only two or three players will be taken by the top clubs per season. Our programme is aimed at those players who fall between club and academy.”

Lead coach, Ali Lund said: “Perfect examples of the quality of player we have are those that have been selected to play for South-West England.

They invited six of our players to trial – James Hill, James Bagguley (Salisbury), Rhodri Hopkins (Sherborne), Hamish Renwick, James Fisher and Sam Bailey (Bournemouth).

“Hill, Hopkins and Bailey played well in the England trial game against North England, with Bailey being awarded the captaincy of the South West England team.

“These players were not picked up by an Academy, with exception of Bagguley (Bath), so it shows the quality of players within the Twin Counties.”

This year’s under-20s side are the first group of players to come through the development programme, and Lund says that the side are earning their plaudits.

He said: “Some of our Under-20 squad are still 17 and 18 years old which may suggest that we are low on senior players, this is far from the truth as these younger players have earned their place by merit and are in fact keeping senior players out. To win the national final would be the perfect end to a fantastic season.”

Anyone interested in joining Dorset & Wilts Under-17s, 18s or Under-20s should contact Mike Sams on mikesamsie@gmail.com.