Teams 
The Harpers Cup is more than just a trophy , it’s a celebration of community, camaraderie, and a deep-rooted love of rugby in North Devon/North Cornwall (Bude for those that don’t know). Born out of the strong ties between Massey Harpers, a company based in Holsworthy, and the local rugby scene, the cup reflects years of friendship, rivalry, and mutual respect. The connection runs deep, with Harpers employing former Bideford Chiefs fly-halves Glen ‘Glenton -10 Ball’ Johns and Andrew ‘Taffy’ Davies , the latter of whom celebrates his 50th birthday this week. Both men have made significant contributions on and off the pitch, continuing to support grassroots rugby throughout their careers.
At the heart of it all is Bill Harper himself , a name synonymous with refereeing in the region. Anyone who’s played in Devon will likely have been on the receiving end of one of his firm (but fair!) reminders about the laws of the game. His passion for rugby and unwavering support for local clubs has made him a respected figure in the community.
Traditionally, Harpers have hosted memorable sponsor days around big matches, fostering a real sense of occasion. It was from this tradition that the idea for the Harpers Cup emerged, an annual “friendly” clash between two sides, bringing together competition and celebration in equal measure.
The format is simple but effective: the two teams will face each other twice over the course of the season, and the winner will be decided by the combined score from both encounters. With league commitments still a priority, availability may vary, but neither side will be taking the challenge lightly. Expect fiercely contested matches with bragging rights very much on the line.
Looking ahead, the next leg of the Harpers Cup will take place at Bideford in February 2026. Mark your calendars, it promises to be a brilliant day of rugby.
