Every rugby player knows that a great tour isn’t just about the 80 minutes on the pitch. It’s about the team bonding on the flight, the shared post-match meals, and the unique energy of stepping into a foreign stadium.
If you are planning your squad’s next move, standard friendly matches are great—but rugby festivals are where legendary tour stories are born.
Whether you’re a youth coach looking to test your squad’s mettle or a women’s club aiming to kickstart the season with a bang, we’ve put together five of our favorite world-class festivals that perfectly balance elite sport with unforgettable travel.
The Crown Jewel: World Rugby Classic
📍 Where: Bermuda | 🗓️ When: Every November
Best For: Vets, senior clubs, and supporters looking for the ultimate bucket-list rugby holiday.
If you want to rub shoulders with former international legends while holding a cold drink on a pink-sand beach, this is your Mecca. The World Rugby Classic Bermuda brings together some of the biggest names to have ever played the game for a week of high-octane rugby and legendary social events. The post-match atmosphere here isn’t just a third half—it’s a week-long celebration of rugby culture in absolute paradise.
The Rising Star: Krakow Rugby Festival
📍 Where: Poland | 👥 Age Grade: U16 – U18 squads
Looking for an alternative to the usual French or English tour routes? Poland is quietly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting rugby destinations. The Krakow Rugby Festival gives youth teams a brilliant blend of physical, competitive international fixtures and deep cultural immersion. Between matches, your squad can explore one of Europe’s most beautiful, historic Old Towns, making it an educational trip wrapped in a rugby tour.
The Fashion Capital’s Best Kept Secret: Milano Rugby Festival
📍 Where: Milan, Italy | 👥 Age Grade: Youth & Club
While everyone else flocks to the massive crowds in Treviso, the Milano Rugby Festival offers a perfectly organized, highly competitive alternative in the true heartland of Italian rugby. This tournament strikes an incredible balance: fierce, passionate rugby on the field, and world-class food, culture, and iconic sightseeing off it. It’s the perfect way to give a youth team a taste of professional-grade touring.
The Perfect Launchpad: Lisbon Ladies Pre-Season XV Tournament
📍 Where: Portugal | 👥 Best For: Women’s Clubs
Pre-season training in the wind and rain can be a slog. The Lisbon Ladies Pre-Season XV Tournament swaps the mud for guaranteed sunshine and top-tier training facilities. It’s specifically designed for women’s clubs looking to gel before the winter league kicks off. You get serious, competitive XVs match-play to test your systems, combined with the team-building energy of one of Europe’s most vibrant, coastal cities.
The Ultimate All-Rounder: Salou Rugby Festival
📍 Where: Costa Daurada, Spain | 👥 Best For: Youth, Schools, and Pre-Season Club Tours
Salou has earned its reputation as a powerhouse for European rugby tours. Why? Because it ticks every single box. It boasts immaculate, first-class training facilities and a massive draw of international teams to guarantee quality opposition. Add in the relaxed Mediterranean climate, beachside team runs, and easy logistics, and it’s easy to see why Irish clubs return here year after year.
Why Book Your Festival Grid with Irish Rugby Tours?
Navigating tournament entries, flights, dietary requirements, and local transport can turn a coach into a stressed-out travel agent. Irish Rugby Tours takes the logistics off your plate so you can focus on the rugby.
At Irish Rugby Tours, we’re passionate about bringing supporters, schools and clubs closer to the game they love.
Whether you’re planning rugby travel to Ireland to experience the incredible atmosphere of international rugby, organising bespoke rugby tours to Ireland for your club or school, or looking to explore iconic rugby destinations around the world, our team creates unforgettable rugby experiences from start to finish.
Get in touch today for a free, tailored quote.
📞 +353 1 685 6277
📧 info@irishrugbytours.com
