Hilversum International Youth Rugby Festival 2026

Fri 3rd –
Mon 6th April

Welcome to one of the most esteemed youth rugby festivals in Europe!

Set in the charming city of Hilversum in the Netherlands, this 1-day event welcomes U8 – U17 boys’ teams to a vibrant and immersive celebration of everything rugby stands for! The action will unfold as Hilversum FC which boasts top-quality pitches, as well as a central village area that provides great entertainment, food and drink facilities – the perfect base!

Key info:

Prices from

£535pp
Based on a 4 day, 3 night coach/ferry tour for 48 passengers travelling 3rd – 6th April 2026. Subject to availability.

Prices include:

  • Coach and driver for 4 days / 3 nights from and to your club
  • Ferry travel via Dover/Calais
  • 8 x 6 berth comfort cottages (self-catered) at Centre Parks De Eemhof based on 48 people
  • Event / venue transfers
  • Tournament entry for 1 team
  • Travel insurance
  • Currency exchange guarantee
  • 24-hour support on tour

Why the Hilversum International Youth Rugby Festival?

This event has been a highlight on the junior rugby calendar for over 25 years, attracting more than 75 youth teams from across Europe.

At the heart of this festival is a deep appreciation for the professionalism and tradition of rugby. The festival embodies the sport’s strong values, with an emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and the challenge of competition!

With the motto ‘a little more rugby!” guiding the event, the festival promises an unforgettable experience!

What to expect

Board the coach from your club and depart for the Dover ferry. Once you’ve arrived in the Netherlands after driving through France and Belgium and checked into your accommodation, feel free to explore the surrounding area and enjoy a dinner at one of the restaurants!

Spend your second day enjoying all of what the Center Parcs resort has to offer, or venture out to explore the charming town of Hilversum!

Time for a scrum! Head to Hilversum RC and get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled morning filled with amazing match play. Who will take the crown? Spend the evening celebrating at the post-match awards, before heading back to your holiday park – relax, enjoy a BBQ, and soak in that team spirit!

Home time! Check out by 10AM and then board your coach for your journey back home, before taking the ferry across the channel.

Looking to extend your stay?

Not ready to go home? Just let our team know if this is something you’d like to consider!

TAILOR-MADE TOURS

Looking to tour without a tournament?

Have full control over your destination, travel dates, itinerary, and excursions.

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Accommodation

Center Parcs De Eemhof

Escape to the 5-star Center Parcs De Eemhof, located just 45 minutes east of Amsterdam in the heart of Western Europe’s largest forest – the perfect spot for teams at the Easter Open (West) Football Tournament. Stay in spacious self-catered cottages that sleep 4 to 8 people, featuring twin bedrooms, a lounge/diner, a kitchen with a fridge/freezer, microwave, and hob, plus a bathroom and WC. You’ll also have your own private patio with garden furniture to chill after the action-packed day. Take a dip in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, or explore the village with its shops, bars, and restaurants. With awesome activities onsite, this is the ideal place to unwind and have fun with your team!

Distance to tournament venues:

  • Self-catered Cottage accommodation sleeping 4 to 8 people
  • Twin bedrooms, lounge/diner, kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave and hob, bathroom and WC
  • Private patio area with garden furniture
  • Subtropical Swimming Paradise
  • Village with shops, bars and restaurants
  • Fantastic activities onsite

Let's not ruck about!

Heard enough? Get in touch to secure your team’s spot while spaces remain!

FAQs

U8 - U17 (Boys)

Squad Size:

Please speak to your tour consultant to clarify the age group rules.

Max Daily Play Time:

Please speak to your tour consultant to clarify the age group rules.

Format:

League Format under IRB Rules

Yes, you will need formal permission to tour abroad. Please check with your local FA or RFU for the latest guidelines on international travel and participation.

We’ll handle your group’s ferry travel arrangements, working with local providers to ensure a smooth and safe crossing into Europe. While crossing timings can’t be guaranteed at the time of booking, they will align with your itinerary. Full travel details will be included in your tour documentation.

Age groups in Europe are generally based on calendar years (January 1 – December 31), while in the UK they’re based on school years (September 1 – August 31). This means your team might need to play in a higher age category (e.g., a UK U10 might play as a European U11). Many tournaments allow for up to 3 players born in the latter part of the year to compete in the lower category, but more than 3 players born after September may need to play in the higher age group. This is a common practice and won’t affect your team’s performance.

Still have questions?

For any other questions you my have, please visit our FAQs page! Or simply get in touch with our team.

Rest assured, you're in safe hands!

Your financial security is in the best of hands, as we are ABTA members, ABTOT bonded, ATOL licensed and offer full travel insurance through Aviva Insurance services. We have working knowledge of the Package Travel Regulations, and regularly monitor the foreign exchange market and FCDO guidance. Pair all this with our expert knowledge and experience, and we’re set to keep your group both safe and financially secure!

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Attention goal-diggers!

This tournament is one for the books – get in touch to secure your team’s spot!

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