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St. Edward High School Rugby Tour to Ireland 2026 🇺🇸🏉🇮🇪

Eight Days of Rugby, Culture, and Unforgettable Memories

In April 2026, the St. Edward High School Eagles, one of the top-15 ranked boys’ rugby programs in the United States, swapped Cleveland for Ireland for an eight-day rugby tour that took them from Dublin to Galway to Cork. Three fixtures against Leinster and Munster club opposition, training with provincial coaches, a parents’ programme running alongside the players’ schedule, and a side-helping of Irish history, sport and scenery.

The 2026 tour was designed and delivered by Irish Rugby Tours, who worked with St. Edward’s coaching staff for more than a year to build a programme that would stretch the squad ahead of the 2026 USA Boys High School National Championships. The result was everything coaches, players and families had hoped for: elite competition, world-class coaching, cultural experiences, and the kind of bonding only a week on the road can produce.

About the Eagles

A little context for readers outside Ohio rugby: St. Edward is an all-boys Catholic school in Lakewood, just west of Cleveland. The rugby program has run since 1999 and has won three Ohio state championships (2012, 2013, 2016) and three Midwest titles (2012, 2016, 2019). Under head coach Greg Miranda the program has climbed from a national ranking of 49th to 4th in just two years, finishing fourth at the 2024 USA national tournament. They are one of only two Ohio teams – the other being city rivals St. Ignatius, to qualify for the 2026 Boys High School National Championships. This was a serious program coming to test itself in a serious rugby country.

Day 1 — Travel Day: Cleveland to Dublin

The tour officially began on Thursday, April 2, as the St. Edward travelling party departed Cleveland Hopkins International Airport bound for Ireland.

Excitement buzzed through the airport as players checked in, loaded bags filled with rugby kit, and prepared for the overnight journey to Dublin via Dallas–Fort Worth. For many players, this marked their first overseas rugby experience and the anticipation was high from the very beginning.

After a long day of travel, the team crossed the Atlantic overnight, ready to begin their Irish adventure.

Day 2 — Arrival in Dublin & First Irish Training Session

The Eagles landed in Dublin on Friday morning and were welcomed by their Irish Rugby Tours guides before heading into the city.

After checking in to the Generator Hostel in the heart of Dublin, the team wasted little time getting to work. That afternoon, the squad trained at the renowned Sport Ireland Campus under the guidance of guest coach Tony Smeeth, a session Irish Rugby Tours arranged specifically to introduce the squad to the faster tempo of Irish rugby.

The session focused on breakdown speed, defensive shape, and adapting to the higher tempo traditionally associated with rugby in Ireland. Despite the overnight flight, the players embraced the challenge and quickly settled into tour life.

While players trained, families explored Dublin’s famous Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, giving everyone an early taste of Irish culture as part of the dedicated parents’ programme arranged alongside the rugby schedule.

The evening concluded with a team dinner back at the hostel, where excitement built ahead of the first fixture.

Day 3 — Match Day One vs Newbridge RFC

Saturday brought the opening fixture of the tour as the Eagles travelled to County Kildare to face one of the strongest sides they would encounter all week.

Against the Leinster League champions, the Eagles were tested from the opening whistle in a physical, high-tempo contest at Newbridge RFC.

It was a steep but valuable opening test. The Eagles continued competing for the full 80 and showed flashes of strong attacking rugby against high-level opposition.

The game provided an early benchmark for the tour and gave the squad valuable experience against a polished Irish side known for its physicality and structured play.

Following the match, players enjoyed post-match hospitality with their Irish hosts before returning to Dublin to watch the All-Ireland League clash between Clontarf and St. Mary’s College. Experiencing live Irish club rugby gave the touring squad a closer look at the standards and traditions of the game in Ireland.

Day 4 — Gaelic Games & Leinster Rugby Experience

Sunday provided one of the most unique cultural experiences of the tour.

After attending Easter Sunday Mass in Dublin, the group headed to Na Fianna GAA Club to take part in an “Experience Gaelic Games” session.

Players learned the basics of Gaelic football and hurling, trying their hand at two of Ireland’s national sports. The session offered a fun and competitive break from rugby while introducing the squad to another major part of Irish sporting culture.

Later that evening, the Eagles attended the Investec Champions Cup clash between Leinster and Edinburgh. Watching elite European rugby live proved to be one of the highlights of the trip and gave players the opportunity to see some of the world’s top professionals in action.

Day 5 — Galway Bound & Elite Coaching Session

On Monday, the tour moved west as the Eagles departed Dublin for Galway.

The journey across Ireland gave players and families a chance to experience the Irish countryside before arriving in one of the country’s most vibrant cities.

That afternoon, the squad trained with top provincial coaches at East United FC in Galway, another session arranged by Irish Rugby Tours to build on the work completed earlier in the tour and to sharpen execution ahead of the next fixture.

Parents meanwhile enjoyed a guided walking tour of Galway before visiting Micil Distillery later in the evening.

The team spent the night recovering and preparing for a packed Tuesday that would combine sightseeing with another important match day.

Day 6 — Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher & Victory over Loughrea RFC

Tuesday proved to be one of the busiest and most memorable days of the tour.

The morning began with a ferry trip to Inis Oírr in the Aran Islands, where players explored one of Ireland’s most scenic and historic locations.

After returning to the mainland, the group visited the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher before quickly switching focus back to rugby ahead of the second fixture of the tour.

This time, the Eagles delivered outstanding performances across both age groups.

Both squads recorded wins against Loughrea RFC – and produced strong all-round performances, combining physical defence with confident attacking rugby.

The U18s controlled the match effectively, limiting Loughrea to a single score, while the U16s delivered one of the most dominant displays of the tour with an outstanding attacking performance.

Both victories reflected the growth and improvement the teams had shown since arriving in Ireland earlier in the week.

Day 7 — Blarney Castle & Cork Training Session

Wednesday saw the group travel south toward Cork.

On the way, players visited the world-famous Blarney Castle and Gardens, with many taking the opportunity to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone.

The cultural side of the tour continued to play a major role throughout the week, giving players an opportunity to experience Irish history and traditions first-hand.

Later in the day, the squad trained at Virgin Media Park under guest coach Joe Sheehan.

With one final fixture remaining, the focus shifted toward finishing the tour strongly and building on the momentum from Galway.

Day 8 — Final Fixture vs Mallow RFC

The final day of rugby on tour arrived on Thursday evening as the Eagles travelled to Mallow RFC for their third and final fixture.

Both teams finished the tour strongly with impressive performances to close out the week.

The U18 match proved to be one of the closest contests of the tour, with the Eagles holding on for a hard-earned victory in a tense, competitive battle. The U16s continued their strong form with another commanding performance, showcasing the confidence and cohesion developed throughout the week.

Across both matches, the growth in the teams from the opening fixture in Dublin was clear to see. Following the games, players shared food and presentations with their Irish hosts, bringing the rugby portion of the tour to a fitting conclusion.

Day 9 — Homeward Bound

In the early hours of Friday morning, the Eagles departed Cork and began the journey home to Cleveland.

Over eight incredible days, the players experienced elite rugby environments, tested themselves against outstanding opposition, explored Ireland’s rich sporting culture, and strengthened friendships that will last long after the tour.

The tour was about much more than results. It was an opportunity for growth, learning, and representing St. Edward proudly both on and off the field.

A huge thank you goes to all host clubs, coaches, families, and supporters who helped make the 2026 Ireland Tour such a memorable success.

The Bigger Picture: Ohio, USA Rugby and a Sport on the Rise

The Eagles’ tour comes at a fascinating moment for American rugby. USA Youth & High School Rugby passed 50,000 registrations in 2024, up 12% on the year before; youth participation (ages 8–14) is up 15%, and there are now more girls than boys registered in the high-school fall season, a direct legacy of the USA Women’s 7s bronze medal in Paris.

Ohio is one of the strongest pockets of that growth. Rugby Ohio governs a busy state league, Rookie Rugby Cleveland is feeding new players into clubs across Brunswick, Hudson, Medina, Parma and Rocky River, and St. Edward and St. Ignatius are flying the Ohio flag at the 2026 national championships.

Tours like this don’t just shape a single squad, they bring world-class rugby exposure to the next generation of US players, and create the kind of cultural memories that keep kids in the game for life.

About Irish Rugby Tours

Irish Rugby Tours has been arranging school, youth, college, senior and supporters’ rugby tours for more than 20 years. We are fully ITAA-licensed and licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (TA0760), and are members of the Sustainable Tourism Network.

Every tour is designed around the touring squad. We pitch fixtures at the right level, arrange training with provincial-standard coaches, build cultural programmes the players actually want to do, run a parallel parents’ programme so families can travel too, and provide full on-the-ground support from the moment your team lands.

Bring Your Programme to Ireland

Inspired by the Eagles’ tour?

We have limited 2027 and 2028 availability for US high school and college programs. Whether you’re a top-15 national side like St. Edward or a developing program looking for the experience of a lifetime, we’ll build a tour around your squad.

Talk to us: Contact Irish Rugby Tours

Learn more: School & Youth Rugby Tours · Rugby Tours to Ireland · Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was the St. Edward rugby tour to Ireland?

Eight days on the ground in Ireland, plus travel, a Thursday-evening departure from Cleveland to a Friday-morning arrival home, with rugby, training and culture every day in between.

Where did the team play?

Three fixtures: Newbridge RFC (Leinster), Loughrea RFC (Galway/Connacht) and Mallow RFC (Cork/Munster). Both U18 and U16 squads played at Loughrea and Mallow.

Who organised the tour?

Irish Rugby Tours designed and delivered the full programme, fixtures, training sessions, guest coaches, accommodation, transport, cultural activities and a separate parents’ programme. See School & Youth Rugby Tours.

Can other US high school teams book a similar tour?

Yes! We run tours every year for US, Canadian, UK, Australian and South African programs. Get in touch via the contact page and we’ll build a tour around your squad’s level, dates and budget.

21st May 2026/by Lucy O'Flaherty

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South Jersey Rugby celebrate fifty years with rugby tour to Ireland

To celebrate fifty years, South Jersey Rugby Football Club wanted to do something that little bit special. Earlier this year, they jetted across the Atlantic to Ireland for what they later described as a “great planned rugby tour that was carried out…to perfection”.

Irish Rugby Tours at the Guinness Storehouse

Time to quench that thirst at the Guinness Storehouse

The tour was organised by global rugby tour specialists, Irish Rugby Tours, who bring their distinctly attentive touch to tours all over the world. Irish Rugby Tours has over twenty years experience of looking after groups from both home and abroad. The company has built up long and strong bonds with the rugby community in their native Emerald Isle and thus was the obvious choice for South Jersey RFC.

“We would and will be recommending Irish Rugby Tours to others and we will definitely be using them again.”

“A local university had used Irish Rugby Tours before,” says Bob Carr, South Jersey RFC. “They came highly recommended and now we know why. They did a great job. They were always accessible and ready to answer any questions or give information. Our guides and drivers were terrific and on the rugby side of things, the matches that were provided were very fair; we didn’t play against a team that was far superior. The post match that was provided was great fun too and a lot of people got involved with the music and dancing.”

Irish Rugby Tours at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin

South Jersey Rugby at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland

All teams represented

The touring group consisted of over sixty people representing both women’s and men’s teams from South Jersey RFC. Over six days, they packed in two matches, against Athy RFC in Leinster and Monivea RFC in Connacht. In Dublin, the group witnessed a full international as Ireland took on Italy at the Aviva Stadium. From the home of Irish rugby it was on to the home of Guinness for a pint of the famous Irish ‘medicine’ before heading into the West and along the Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher. A highlight for many was the free day to explore the delights and charms of Galway City while many others welcomed the chance to use the pool and steam room in the Connacht Hotel after the bruising encounter with the aforementioned Monivea RFC.

South Jersey Rugby get ready for their game against Monivea RFC

“As many of us had not been to Ireland before the places we toured and visited were perfect,” says Bob. “Since we got home, I have been talking with a bunch from our group and we all have some great stories from the trip. We would and will be recommending Irish Rugby Tours to others and we will definitely be using them again. It was worth every penny. There was nothing else we could have asked for.”

23rd October 2019/by George Hook

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Irish Pubs in Japan

Irish Rugby Tours fully expect the multitudes of Irish fans travelling east to the Rugby World Cup to enjoy their time in a new land and dive head first into the rich and colourful culture of Japan. But we are aware that after such a long haul, there may be some who feel a slight twinge of heartache for home. For those who are easily struck down by homesickness, we have compiled a very short list of Irish pubs in Japan. In fact we have found you at least one Irish pub in each of the four pool match locations…and one for the final! #MonIrelan’

An Solas, Tokyo

Irish Rugby Tours recommends An Solas - Irish Pubs in Japan

Seeing the light in An Solas

Ok, so we know Ireland don’t have a game here…yet. But whatever happens you’d be an eejit not to visit Tokyo while in Japan and it’s for that reason this Irish pub in Japan makes the cut.

This little corner of Tokyo is about as close as you’ll get to Tubbercurry in Japan. Guinness on tap, daysent grub – soda bread and cider included, Irish staff and a trad group replete with both rams and banjos. It’s in the old part of town too, so after you’ve got your taste of home you can get back out there and do what you’re there for – experiencing Japan! Paddy Maloney’s favorite Irish pub in Tokyo.

The Green Sheep, Yokohama

Apart from being a great BAA (sorry), the great advantage of this spot is that it’s a straight run on the Blue Line to the stadium. They also do food and they have an outside seating area. It’s spacious and the staff all speak pretty good English. If you are a nervous traveller this is exactly the spot to go to before the game against Scotland kicks off. It’s easy.

A Boy Named Tsu – the owner told us he only knew ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ and ‘I’ll tell Me Ma’

Giggle, Shizuoka

A Boy named Tsu

Of all the Irish pubs in Japan on our list this is probably our favourite. Giggle is run by a boy named Tsu who plays banjo and loves Irish music. He runs trad sessions here every week and can probably tell what Shane McGowan had for breakfast. We once asked him if he knew the famous Johnny Cash song ‘A Boy Named Sue’, and he told us he only knew ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ and ‘I’ll tell Me Ma’. He is a bona-fide legend and deserves honorary Irish citizenship.

During happy hour they have pints of Carlsberg on tap for 700¥ (that’s about €5.60) but it’s probably as good as it gets. Japan is not cheap. Tsu is however worth is weight in gold…out the end of a rainbow of course.

Avery, Kobe

Kobe is famous for its beef. Apparently, it comes from cows who are given the finest grass and early morning massages. If you are staying on after the first two games, this might be the perfect place to give your ego a little gentle massaging too. As well as the beers and stouts you’d expect, Avery’s does a decent line in craft beers. It’s small and poky but that just makes it all the more cosy. After all the mania, you can expect the Irish contingent here to be a little less raucous. This would be the perfect spot for a few quieter pints. Find out how to get there here.

The Hakata Harp, Fukuoka

Irish Rugby Tours recommends Hakata Harp - Irish Pubs in Japan

It has a haka and harp. What’s not to like?

It’s got a haka and a harp so this has to be a rugby pub! In fact a quick look at its website gives the impression that it’s endorsed by the Irish government. We are not sure it is but they sure have a comprehensive food menu fit for Toaisigh!

19th September 2019/by George Hook

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Canadian High School’s “amazing experience” on Rugby Tour to Ireland

Last month Strathcona Girls High School Under 18s Rugby Team spent nine glorious days on a rugby tour to Ireland. The team from Alberta are a major player in Canadian High School Rugby and we were delighted to look after them during their Irish rugby tour.

“The girls had an amazing time and I’ve heard nothing but good words,” said Head Coach, Kara Haslam. “They came home with huge smiles and lots of stories of a great experience and happy memories.”

The Canadian School’s itinerary was packed with both rugby and non-rugby activities and showcased Ireland as a place for people with a wide variety of interests. With the help of our partners we were able to balance the team’s pursuit of all things Irish rugby and sport with the students’ interest in culture and history.

Strathcona High had three matches against top class teams; St Mary’s RFC in Munster, Ashbourne RFC and Wexford Wanderers in Leinster. They also had three training sessions with former rugby internationals and coaches in Dublin, Galway and Limerick.

Action Packed Nine Days on Rugby Tour to Ireland

The team from Alberta were treated to a visit to Ireland’s largest stadium and the home of Hurling and Gaelic Football, Croke Park. They were later invited to try their the hand at the same games at the nearby Experience Gaelic Games in Glasnevin.

After a visit to Dublin Castle, the squad headed west to the home of the Irish language, The Aran Islands, before setting sail past the dramatic rock faces of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher.

One of the highlights of the tour was a morning spent Kayaking on Britain and Ireland’s longest river the River Shannon in Limerick. There was too a visit to Bunratty Castle and Heritage Centre where the team learnt all about life in ancient Ireland.

The squad spent a night under the twinkling hilly lights of Cork City before travelling to the sunny Southeast and the spectacular Curracloe Beach, famous for the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan and the more recent Oscar-nominated movie Brooklyn.

“As a trip leader and head coach, this was my first time planning an international rugby tour for high school students,” said Kara. “I would definitely travel with Irish Rugby Tours again in the future and plan to recommend Irish Rugby Tours to other club and school groups. Thank you for a fantastic experience.”

About Irish Rugby Tours

Irish Rugby Tours is based in the heart of Munster. The company has been organising and hosting both Irish and international rugby tour groups for over sixteen years. In that time, it has built strong and trusted relationships with rugby communities, rugby coaches, activity and accommodation providers across Ireland, the UK, continental Europe, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

13th May 2019/by George Hook

News

Dublin – Ireland’s Capital

Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is the Home of Guinness, where you will discover what goes into the making of each and every pint.

Learn about the incredible brand history stretching over 250 years. Ireland’s number one International Visitor Attraction unfolds its tale across seven floors. Shaped around a giant pint, which, if filled would contain 14.3 million pints of Guinness.

On the fifth floor you can rest and order a pint with some food while being entertained by musicians and traditional dancers.

For those who would like to try and pour a pint for themselves the option is there to see how good they are.

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is a busy riverside neighbourhood, spread over cobbled pedestrian lanes.

Crowded pubs host live folk music and DJ sets, and diners pack restaurants serving Asian, American and Irish cuisine.

Quirky boutiques stock clothes and crafts by local designers. Dublin’s number one drinking location is packed with visitors daily, morning noon and night it’s never empty.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle was first founded as a major defensive work Meiler Fitzhenry on the orders of King John in 1204.

Sometime after the Normans had invaded in 1169, it was ordered that a castle be built with strong walls and good ditches for the defence of the city.

In 1922 Dublin Castle was eventually given to its people and the new Irish Republic government under Michael Collins.

A guided tour is recommended, you will get to see some exhibits that you would not see just walking around on your own.

Kilmainham Gaol

Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol held some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history.

They Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, the 1916 Rising leaders and Eamon de Valera.

The Gaol was built in 1796 replacing the one which was more of a hovel than a gaol. From that date to 1820, hangings took place outside the front gate once a week.

Men, women and children were not segregated and 5 to a cell was the norm. All they had was the one candle for light and heat.

Most of the time the prisoners were in the dark and cold as they only got one candle every fortnight.

A fascinating tour about the prison and Irish history.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is one visitor’s attraction that has to be seen.

History walks out from everywhere is this amazing cathedral. The cathedral was probably founded around 1028 and just after 1066 the Norman invasion, it became the property of the French.

Henry 11 is reported to have attended the cathedral for communion after he had Thomas Beckett murdered in Canterbury Cathedral.

The cathedral was originally built in wood, but the Normans rebuilt it in stone.

It’s one place of worship that really is a must when you come to Dublin.

Jameson Distillery

Originally one of six main whiskey distilleries in Dublin Jameson was founded by John Jameson in 1780.

By 1805 the distillery had become the number one producer in the world.

A visit to the distillery is a must it is an exciting and engaging experience as the staff will tell you.

You will discover how three simple ingredients, water, barley and yeast are transformed into the drink that is known as Jameson Irish Whiskey.

There’s a little sampling to be done too, which can’t be missed.

Dublinia

Dublinia tells the story of Dublin from the Vikings through the Norman Invasion and through the ages.

You will definitely come away from here knowing so much more of Dublin and the people who lived here and built this city. It is located at Christ Church the crossroads of medieval Dublin.

There are a couple of more exhibitions on show too which would be of interest.

One being the artefacts that have been unearthed over the years such as the skeleton remains of a Viking warrior.

Viking Splash Tours

Viking Splash Tours is a truly unique experience on land and water. Here you will take in the sights of Dublin during a fun-filled and engaging guided city tour.

Enjoy the sights of Dublin by land and water amphibious vehicles that take you from land to water and back again.

You will experience an unanticipated, enjoyable and informative experience that appeals to young and old alike.

The tour lasts for about 70 mins and the guides are very good. If you’re lucky enough to be chosen you might get the chance to do a bit of steering down the River Liffey.

Aviva Stadium

Visit the Aviva Stadium for a tour. You will see the press conference room, home dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, dugouts and more.

The Aviva tour guides will bring you around the stadium and entertain you for an hour.

One of the guides is Patrick O’Reilly AKA Ralla. Ralla was kit man to the Irish Rugby team for 15 years and also kit man for two British and Irish Lions tours.

During the tour the team management are usually asked to sit at the media table so that the players can ask a few questions for a bit of craic.

Croke Park

Croke Park is the home of Ireland’s national game Gaelic Football and Hurling.

Every child in the country is brought up to play both sports just like children in New Zealand are brought up with a rugby ball.

Visit Croke Park on a stadium tour and you will learn all you need to know about this Irish sport.

There’s a chance to do the roof top tour which takes you all round the top of the stadium. This also allows you to walk out onto a podium which overlooks the pitch.

Hurling is the world’s fastest ball game and the ball can travel at speeds, the ball when hit has been clocked at a 100mph.

9th July 2018/by Raymond O'Grady

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