Irish Rugby Tours has a long and proud history of bringing rugby tours to Portugal. Both our Lisbon base and our base at Faro in the Algarve are favourites with groups who are looking for somewhere a little off beaten track.
Why choose Portugal for a rugby tour?
For teams facing into lengthy spells of training in the mud baths and biting wind of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, trips to the sunnier winter climes of Portugal are hugely beneficial.
Not only can teams perfect the nuances of their game plan and hone their skills, taking a trip abroad with your teammates inevitably leads to a degree of bonding they just do not get at home. Bringing your team abroad, exposes them to different cultures, different food and different ways of doing things that they may not see at home.
Facilities at our training camps in Portugal are second to none and as always we have done our homework on local teams so we can provide you with top quality opposition should you be on the lookout for some real game time. The Portuguese Rugby Federation has over 42,000 registered on its books with scores of clubs and teams of all levels spread across the country.
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Is rugby popular in Portugal?
Rugby in Portugal is on the rise. Arguably, the national team’s golden period was just over ten years ago when they qualified for their first and so far only World Cup in 2007. Os Lobos (The Wolves) had a bit of a howler against the All Blacks, losing 108 – 13. They took something of a drubbing from the Scots (56 – 10). Against Italy they fared a little better (31 – 5) and they gave tournament veterans Romania a right scare losing out to a try on the 72nd minute (14-10).
Since reaching the heady heights of 13th in the world rankings their star has fallen somewhat in recent years. The Wolves are now ranked 27th in the world – four places down from their last ranking and six places behind their arch rivals and neighbours Spain.
Who are Portugal’s best rugby players?
Second row Goncalo Uva has been capped by Portugal 101 times. He has scored nine tries and is one of the few members from the current squad to play at a World Cup. The 6’7” lineout specialist is a tireless worker around the pitch. He currently plies his trade back home in Lisbon with 11- time Portuguese champions Grupo Desportivo Direito but he had long spells in France with both Montpellier and Narbonne. Goncalo’s brother, Vasco, has also played for Portugal 101 times.
Check out this piece of skill from Goncalo Uva…
As well as sunshine to play in, empty beaches to practise on and great facilities for training, there is so much to do and see in your downtime. You can read a little bit more about some of the hot spots we’ve discovered in our years of visiting this beautiful country here.
About Irish Rugby Tours
Irish Rugby Tours is the go to tour company for your team. We have been planning, organising and delivering incoming rugby tours to and from Ireland, Europe and further afield since 1997. Our tours combine rugby, culture and travel to provide you with some of the best life experiences you are likely to have as a team. We don’t just build itineraries, we build memories, great ones that you will share for years to come.
Whether you are part of a club, college or school team, we can arrange customised sports tours for you in Ireland or abroad.
We have unrivalled experience and expertise in designing and facilitating customised tours. Over the last twenty plus years, we have brought more than 1500 teams to Ireland to experience its passion for both rugby and showing people a good time.
Every sports tour is designed to meet your requirements. If you want rugby, we will match you with carefully selected opposition you can compete against at your level. We also know that tour groups like to have fun. If you want to party, we know where you can do that too.
Let us know what you want on your tour and we will deliver.
Having flown to Ireland you don’t want to miss any sports fixtures – our on the ground team work hard to ensure you get your full complement of games whatever challenge comes our way.
Why Choose Irish Rugby Tours for your next Tour:
- All our staff are rugby mad and have been involved in rugby all their lives.
- We have worked in the hospitality industry at all levels – we know what works.
- Irish Rugby Tours look after professional teams – both club and international.
- We are a sports tour company and always have been.
- Great value & tailored to your needs.
- Irish Rugby Tours source the best standard accommodation, transport and all other service providers.
- You can contact us 24/7, 365 days of the year.
