I have to thank you again for an exceptional tournament, easily the best-managed event I’ve attended in over 10 years with Doha Rugby. The biggest surprise to myself and the coaches, I think, was the Coaches’ Corner; something we’ve never before encountered, and very much appreciated.

It’s been a great experience, we prepare teams well, we know that they are strong and equipped to compete, but it is only when we play overseas that we can learn and improve. This tournament helps us to provide an international and cultural dynamic to our academy that, along with the global rugby values, can play such a positive role in the personal development of a young person.

Each season we take the boys away for an end of season tournament. We wanted a stronger test and chose the Portugal Rugby Festival because we knew of its reputation. It’s the top tournament in Europe and we will be back.

This tournament provides a strong international test and acts as a sharpener for the season ahead. We come with a winning mentality but also to play our part in this festival of rugby!

We see this tournament as an opportunity and a platform. For our rugby teams it enables us to participate in a strongly contested tournament at the start of the season to prepare us for the season. And in life it provides camaraderie, memorable experiences shared with other cultures. It also offers us a path to develop our young people and a platform to promote our school on an international stage.

We’ve not participated before but I’ll be recommending this Festival to anyone I speak with when I get back. It’s a first class tournament, strong competition, great organisation and a fulfilling experience for every member of the Club.