The Ultimate Rugby Weekender is back on the Norfolk Coast!

Soak up the festival vibe this May Day weekend with one of the largest events of its kind at the Great Yarmouth Rugby Festival – where over 100 teams attend every year!

You’ll face off against squads from all over the UK in a 2-day tournament spread over two fantastic venues, both with excellent facilities with a warm and friendly environment. 

Boasting excellent pitches, a variety of catering options and plenty of fun to be had in between the rugby, it’s one you’ll not want to miss!

Fri 3rd May – Mon 6th May 2024

Prices from
£105pp

Enquire now  for current availability and accurate pricing

Two Venues. One Great Rugby Festival.

One venue just wasn’t enough for this awesome event – so depending on your squads age you’ll compete at Broadland-Great Yarmouth RFC if U7s to U13s and Lowestoft & Yarmouth RUFC will host the U14s to U15s.

Both clubs have great quality pitches, catering options, marquees and toilets. Plus, a well-known rugby star will present awards and trophies when the festival finishes.

A magician performs a card trick to boy rugby players
A rugby players runs with the ball as his team watches on
Boy rugby players celebrate
Two rugby teams compete for the ball, with one rugby player on the ground
A rugby fan wears a Viking helmet and blows a horn
Two rugby players tackle an opposing player from the front and back
Two rugby players walk off the pitch with arms around each others back

Experienced 
and qualified referees

Up to 3 full size rugby pitches at Lowestoft & Yarmouth RUFC

Up to 15 pitches at Broadland-Great Yarmouth RFC

Photo opportunity with special guest

Fully trained 
first aiders on site

Awards and medals presented 
by a celebrity guest

Exclusive Event Hoodies

The ultimate memento for an unforgettable tour!

Fully embrace the Sports Tours event experience with our exclusive event hoodies!

Order your hoodies now!

Orders must be placed by 25th March for guaranteed delivery before the event!

Team & Match Details

Age groupsSquad SizeMaximum Daily Playing MinutesFormat
Under 7 (Mixed) 4-a-side (7)50RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive)
Under 8 (Mixed)6-a-side (10)50RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive)
Under 9 (Mixed)7-a-side (12)60RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive)
Under 10 (Mixed)8-a-side (13)60RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive)
Under 11 (Mixed)9-a-side (14)70RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive)
Under 12 (Boys)12-a-side (18)70Competitive Format
Under 13 (Boys)13-a-side (20)80Competitive Format
Under 14 (Boys)15-a-side (22)80Competitive Format
Under 15 (Boys)15-a-side (22)90Competitive Format

All tournaments are sanctioned by the RFU and played in line with RFU Age Grade Regulations.

Match durations will be maximised dependent on number of teams per age group, in line with the RFU ‘Daily Playing Time’ regulations above.

What to Expect

Day 1: Check in & enjoy the range of on-site facilities. Your first evening offers your team the chance to gather together for food and drinks!

Day 2: Time to rise for the first day of your festival. You’ll be assigned either morning or afternoon matches with the rest of the day free for you to explore the local area.

Day 3: Gather your players & crack on with your remaining games! Awards and medals will be presented by a famous rugby personality. Time to celebrate!

Day 4: It’s time to head home, but not before taking a last chance to explore Norfolk and Great Yarmouth further!

Get in Touch

One player piggybacks his teammate as they celeberate

What’s included in your package

3 nights’ self-catering accommodation
With evening entertainment

Awards ceremony
Trophies for winners and runners up (U12 and above) and medals issued to all participants

On site representative
We’re here if you need us on the day

Access to facilities
Make the most of what the tournament clubs and holiday park have to offer

Online results
Access to an online fixture schedule 
and results updates

Qualified match referees
Experienced referees for every fixture

Manage your booking online
Access to our online booking management system

Why not treat yourself to an upgrade?

From accommodation and meal upgrades we can help you out. You might us want us to arrange something special for your group – let us know and we’ll see what we can do!

Get in touch and we’ll discuss your needs

Accommodation

Sit back and relax

There’s a great choice of places to stay too, where you’ll enjoy home comforts at the cosy Hemsby Beach Holiday Park or kick back at the super convenient Travelodges (info coming soon) a stone’s throw away from both rugby venues.

Wherever you call your home for the weekend, you’re sure to enjoy the stunning coastal views and sandy beaches.

Hemsby Beach Apartments

  • Sleep between 2 and 7 people
  • Bed linen included
  • Fitted kitchen/dining area

Hemsby Beach Platinum Lodges

  • Refurbished in 2018
  • Platinum standard interiors
  • Private hot tub

Hemsby Beach Holiday homes

  • New in 2017
  • Lounge area with sofa bed
  • Available in Silver Plus, Gold and Gold Plus

Rooms are offered on a first come, first served basis and availability can change on a regular basis.

Please contact a member of staff for up-to-date availability.

Book your festival

Ready to rugby?

Then call us on 01332 227474 or fill out our short enquiry form by clicking the button below. Whichever works for you.

Get in Touch

A guard of honour from adults, in orange hoodies, for a children's rugby team

Things to do in Great Yarmouth

In between your matches, visit any of Great Yarmouth’s sandy beaches for some seaside family fun – or for more of an adrenaline rush – head to one of the local amusement parks or countless attractions around this awesome coastal town!

As spaces go to kick back in – Great Yarmouth’s a fantastic base for your friends, family and rugby squad!

Great Yarmouth highlights

  • SEA LIFE Centre Great Yarmouth
  • Joyland
  • The Pleasure Beach
  • Time and Tide Museum
  • Merrivale Model Village
  • Great Yarmouth Central Beach

It wouldn’t be a visit to Great Yarmouth without a trip to the famous Pleasure Beach.

Great Yarmouth

Take a look what lies beneath the ocean at the SEA LIFE Centre

Sealife Centre

Absolutely brilliant, the boys loved it and so did the parents!

Brilliant fun – we’ll be back!

FAQs

  • How many games will we play?

    Each team will play up to 5 games per day – the duration of the games depends on the number of teams in each age category. However, each team will play up to the maximum number of minutes per day, as stipulated by the RFU.

  • What footwear should players wear?

    All pitches are played on grass, so it is recommended to wear studded boots, but players are welcome to alternative footwear depending on the ground surface.

  • What I.D do we have to bring for the players?

    We ask that you bring RFU cards OR a photocopy of a passport for all players involved in the festival. Age checks may be carried at any point during the tournament.

  • Do we have to drive to the venue?

    Yes please.  There is parking onsite with a donation to the host club.

  • Will players receive medals/trophies?

    All players will receive a participation medal and there will be winners and runners up trophies for U12 to U15 teams. Those attending the presentation will be awarded their medals by a special guest rugby player.