Previous PArticipants

I just wanted to reiterate our thanks for all the organisation and support that went into the tour.

The girls had a fantastic experience and really enjoyed their time — many of them wished it could have been longer!

It was also my first time in Portugal, and I was pleasantly surprised, including how well the international rugby tournament was run.

Since returning, we’ve had quite a bit of interest from others, and a number of our girls are already keen to come back again in the future. Overall, it was a great experience for everyone involved.

Melissa Buswell, Coach
Empire Rugby Academy, UAE

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.

Owain Lloyd, Coach
Pencoed Youth, Wales

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.

David Harcombe, Coach
Doha RFC, Qatar

A massive thank you to all involved with the Rugby Youth Festival. All the players, coaches and supporters had a fantastic 4 days in Lisbon. We were made to feel so welcome, and the organisation of the whole weekend was first class.

We will be sure to recommend the tournament at home.

Pete Massey, Coach
Sandal RUFC, England

Guys, thank you. Every single one of us had the most amazing time, and this would not have been possible without the ridiculous amount of precise organisation and attention to detail you guys manage to provide.

We were not the easiest to accommodate, nor the hardest, I'm guessing, but you really did provide a top-class service with communication and giving us what we needed. The 4* star hotel at a discount and correcting my arrival time coach error.

Every single boy and adult bonded in a way they would not have been able to had we not come to Lisbon. And it was really needed for our team. Both adults and kids were falling apart a little in the last 6 months or so, and this brought us back together.

We cannot wait for the next one.

We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and we have you to thank for that.

Stacey Sterling, Coach
Romford and Guidea, England

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!

Marcel Putaura, Coach
Iron Armour Academy, Australia

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.

Hendrik Grove, Coach
Windhoek HIgh Schoool, Namibia

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, with strong competition, great organisation, and a fulfilling experience for every member of the Club.

Russel Ticehurst, Coach
Blackheart Rugby Club, England