RUNNING out at Twickenham is the dream for every grassroots rugby player and next month it will come true for two Taunton RFC stalwarts.

Wellington-based pair Shane Jordan, 29, and scrum-half Leigh Cash, 28, have been chosen for a NatWest Grassroots Barbarians side to play at HQ on 9 June.

They are part of the NatWest Grassroots Barbarians team, coached by Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood, who will pit their wits against another team made up of players from grassroots rugby clubs across the UK and rugby-mad Jordan can’t believe his luck.

“It’s something I’ve never really even dreamed of and came out of nowhere,” he said.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity – something I can’t wait to get stuck into but is still really surreal.

“Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be put forward and it’ll be a great honour to wear our clubs colours at the best rugby stadium in the world.

“I’d like to think I’ll bring some lineout smarts to the team – mainly we just need to give the North team a good hiding!”

NatWest RugbyForce is a longstanding initiative run by the Official Banking Partner of England Rugby.

This year, all clubs that registered for NatWest RugbyForce were entered into a draw for their chance for club players to be selected to join the Grassroots Barbarians.

On 9 June four teams of the most committed players from clubs around the country will go head-to-head, supported by their clubs, rugby legends and current players to celebrate the grassroots game.

Greenwood, who led his squad through a coaching day in the Midlands last weekend, said: “It’s really is a tiny fraction of the rugby population who get to run out into the iconic, 80,000 seater stadium.

“Most of them will have seen it on the telly and now they’re stepping into the shoes of titans and having a dig themselves. It’s a wonderful initiative.

“I remember my first time playing at Twickenham with Lancashire in 1991 and the memory is as strong as any of my Test matches.

“It’s critical to support the grassroots game. NatWest RugbyForce recognises this and gives grants to grassroots rugby clubs and it’s so important.

“Whether it buys a new tackle bag or provides the first-team with kit so they all look like a team – these things are often taken for granted and make a big difference.”

NatWest is the Official Banking Partner of England Rugby. This year NatWest RugbyForce is making it easier for grassroots clubs to access rugby through its NatWest Grassroots Barbarians initiative, offering grassroots players the chance to play at Twickenham on June 9th. @NatWest_Rugby