The first ever Conyers Youth Rugby Cup gets underway today and will continue tomorrow.

The mini-rugby tournament, sponsored by Conyers Dill & Pearman, will be played on the north pitch at the National Sports Centre.

Conyers are pumping some $60,000 into youth rugby in Bermuda over the next three years, and hope the Conyers Youth Cup will only further enhance their profile.

Mini-rugby has grown steadily in Bermuda in the last number of years and the CDP competition and international matches are seen as a reward for local players and those involved in the programme.

Matches will be played by youngsters in the Under-10, Under-12 and Under-14 age groups between Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.

Today a round-robin tournament will be played at all three age levels.

Games will be played between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m..

Tomorrow will again see full internationals taking place between Bermuda and Cayman at the three age groups.

"The fact that our two rugby nations can cement such an arrangement with the financial support of Conyers Dill & Pearman is a testament to our commitment to developing not just strong, fit and healthy rugby players but strong model citizens," Richard Adams, Technical Director of the Cayman Rugby Union, said.

"It is an opportunity for players to act as international ambassadors and form friendships and connections with players from overseas.

"The same players who will meet at eight years of age may still be playing against each other twenty years later."

"Offering young players the opportunity to meet and play against players from other countries is an important part of their overall development," Michael Montgomery, Chairman of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union, said.

"Knowing they will face international competition is a great incentive for players to train and play to the best of their ability during the season.

"The Bermuda mini rugby programme has seen steady growth over the past few years and we look forward to its continued growth over the years to come."