Dogs Trust cheers on World Cup contenders

As the final few teams prepare to battle it out in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, staff at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe have nicknamed four three-month-old Lurcher puppies after the tournament’s top teams, in the hope that they will be victorious in finding a new home.

Staff have been putting the pups, nicknamed Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Wales through their paces with a whole host of fun and games and as the final stage of the tournament approaches, the loveable line-up are now ready to move ‘forward’ into loving new homes.

Like their namesakes, the adorable scrummage love nothing more than running around after a rugby ball and new owners will need to be able to provide plenty of training to help keep them on their paws.

Claire Joselin, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe Supporter Relations Officer explains: "“Our scrum-ptious rugby puppies love to play and are always up for a game of fetch – especially if there a chance to tackle and ruck with their litter mates! As they are still so young, they are looking for new owners who are up to the challenge of taking on a puppy, as they are a lifetime commitment.”

“The fluffy foursome will need to continue their basic puppy training so new owners will need to be around for the majority of the time whilst they settle in. There may be a few red cards at first but they will soon get the hang of housetraining! The pups will need lots of socialisation with other dogs in their early years and plenty of fuss and attention to make them feel at home. If you think you could make one of our puppies your MVP (most valuable puppy), please get in touch.”

If you are interested in rehoming one of the rugby puppies, please call Dogs Trust Ilfracombe on 0300 303 0292 or visit the centre at Hazeldene, West Down, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 8NU.