[1][2] It was introduced by the RFU to provide a national cup competition for junior clubs in the English rugby union system not already competing in the Pilkington Cup, with a number of knock-out rounds culminating in the final held at Twickenham Stadium.

The competition would have a number of different sponsors over the course of its history, including Provincial Insurance, Pilkington, NPI, Tetley's Brewery, Powergen and EDF Energy.

[3][4][5][6] Since the 2009–10 season the competition has been known as the RFU Junior Vase and is competed for by clubs playing in at level 9 of the league system.

The winners of each group then meet in the north final to determine who goes forward to the national semi-finals.

Clubs that are affiliated with Dorset & Wilts and Gloucestershire play in county based knock-out competitions first.