RugbyFest

Rugbyfest
RugbyFest logo
Date September 22–24, 2017 (2017-09-22 – 2017-09-24)
Location Rugby, United Kingdom
Also known as Rugbyfest UK
Website rugbyfestuk.com

Background

RugbyFest UK is an annual event designed to be the biggest celebration of the game staged outside of a major tournament. Year one sees the festival held on 22 – 24 September 2017, Rugby, Warwickshire, England.

The original concept of RugbyFest UK came from a conversation between the former professional and International rugby union playerSpencer Brown and Mark Dunkley (ex Rugby Lions, Nuneaton and Northampton Casuals) in 2016.

The event is supported by Rugby School who are supporting the event in conjunction with their 450th year celebrations,[1] and are providing the venue.

Press and media coverage

The first public announcement was through RugbyUnited [2] in January 2017.

A marketing video[3] presents an overview of the event which was filmed around the town of Rugby with the game footage taken on the grounds of Rugby St Andrews RFC Sports club in January 2017. A further video[4] features Spencer Brown and Mark Dunkley explaining how they developed the idea of RugbyFest. Mark explains that the idea was fostered in a local pub and how they sought support from Rugby School which was key to enabling the event. Local press reported that Bali Legends and Welsh Charitables have committed to the event on 23 June 2017.[5]

Events, matches and activities

Launch dinner

The launch dinner[6] was held on 27 May 2017 at the Arnold House, Rugby. The venue was selected as it was named after Thomas Arnold, headmaster of Rugby School from 1828 to 1841 when the rugby game was being developed at the school. The event was opened by Peter Green, the Headmaster of Rugby School and presented by well-known Rugby personalities including Roger Uttley MBE a former English rugby union player, Peter Hull MBE a British Paralympic gold medalist, Kim Oliver a former English female rugby union player, Saracens and England Red Roses international Georgina Gulliver and Tim Stimpson, a former rugby union international full back (and others).[7]

Players & sports people involved

Confirmed players and personalities involved in the activities include:[8]

Teams

The following teams have signed up:

World legends match

The Legends Rugby Union match on Friday 22 September 2017 consists of 2 Barbarian style teams in a 15 a side match. All players are over 35 years old and have played in top flight rugby, with most representing their country.

International veterans 10's

Rugby League Army Vets vs Super League Vets - 16 Vets teams play on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24 September 2017 including some leading 10’s teams on the circuit and international representation. The International Veterans tournament is made up of 16 "Barbarian" style 10 a-side teams. All players are over 35 years old and games are shorter.

Other activities and matches

International 7's tournament
Sunday 24th Sept 2017
International Club League 9's
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th Sept 2017
16 rugby league teams from across the UK
7's Mixed Touch Rugby competition
Sunday 24th Sept 2017
16 7-a-side teams including both male and female players
International Colts
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th Sept 2017
12 10-a-side teams with players between 17-19 years old
Barbarians Super League 13 vs Army League Veterans
Saturday 23rd Sept 2017
Players from British Forces and super league teams
Inter-school Tag Rugby competition
Saturday 23rd Sept 2017
A competition between local schools at relevant age groups
Rugby School 1st XV vs visitors
Beach Rugby exhibition
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th Sept 2017
Beach rugby is a 5-a-side full contact version of the game
Women's Rugby
Saturday 23rd Sept 2017
2 "Barbarian" style teams or a women’s premiership match
Deaf Rugby
Saturday 23rd Sept 2017
England Deaf Rugby vs Wales Deaf Rugby or Northamptonshire Police Rugby
Deaf Rugby was set up to enable deaf and hard of hearing people to get together and enjoy the sport of rugby union knowing that there are no communication barriers due to a common ground
Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby
Saturday 23rd Sept 2017
As one of the only full-contact disability sports (also known as murderball) was one of the biggest hits of the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The sport is open to both men an women, and is one of the only games which allows them to compete on the same team
Children's Legends Training
Wasps RFC community team
Rugby Football Union community team

Beneficiaries and sponsors

Proceeds will be shared amongst five charities, these are:

References

  1. ↑ "Rugby School - 450th Anniversary". Rugby School. 2017-01-13. Retrieved 2017-06-16. 2017 is Rugby School’s 450th Anniversary year. To celebrate the founding of the School in 1567 and 450 years of education excellence, we have created an exciting programme of events and activities featured across these pages.
  2. ↑ "RugbyFest - 22-24th September". RugbyUnited. 2017-01-13. Retrieved 2017-06-02. On the weekend 22-24th September, Rugby school in Rugby is playing host to a what seems to be the perfect weekend for fans of the sport, with everything from Kids rugby, to beach rugby to 9's and 10's, and even a full 15 a side 'Baabaas' style game boasting some very established names in the world of rugby.
  3. ↑ "RugbyFest UK 2017". RugbyFest UK. 2017-04-12. Retrieved 2017-06-03. The official RugbyFest video. Celebrating bringing rugby back to it's birthplace. September 22nd - 24th September 2017.
  4. ↑ "RugbyFestHistoryVideo". RugbyFest UK. 2017-05-30. Retrieved 2017-06-03. Find out where the idea for RugbyFest was born and the hopes for this amazing festival bringing rugby back to its birthplace.
  5. ↑ "RUGBYFEST: Two top veterans teams sign up for international tens tournament in September". Rugby Advertiser. 2017-06-23. Retrieved 2017-06-30. Two more top veterans teams have signed up for the RugbyFest International Tens tournament. The Bali Legends and Welsh Charitables have confirmed their appearance in the weekend’s celebration of the game on September 22–24.
  6. ↑ "RugbyFest launches with Legend-studded Gala Dinner". Retrieved 2017-06-16. The Gala Dinner on Spring Bank Holiday weekend was a celebration of everything that makes the game of rugby great with appearances from celebrity guests, all of whom have played a role on the international stage.
  7. ↑ "RUGBY: RugbyFest will celebrate everything the game has become". Rugby Advertiser. 2017-06-17. Retrieved 2017-06-30. Weekend in September to include Legends game at the Close, tournaments and demonstrations. RugbyFest 2017 was officially launched last month with a gala dinner at The Arnold House.
  8. ↑ "Rugbyfest UK". Retrieved 2017-06-02. CURRENT CONFIRMED PLAYERS
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