Great Yarmouth Rugby Festival 2025
The Ultimate Rugby Weekender is BACK on the Norfolk Coast!
Our Great Yarmouth Rugby Festival 2025 is a fan-favourite, and for good reason! It’s BIG, it’s BOLD, and it’s BRILLIANT!
Set on May Day weekend, it’s one of the largest events of its kind – over 100 teams attend every year, and they keep coming back. Here squads from across the UK go head-to-head in an electric 2-day tournament – it’s all about tactics, teamwork and tries!
Beyond the matches, coaches, players and parents have the opportunity to soak up the day festival vibe. Think plenty of local food vendors, feel-good music, family and friends all wrapped into an epic celebration of grassroot rugby. It doesn’t get better than that!
With fantastic facilities and accommodation options that have you at the heart of the action, you’re set for an epic weekend of rugby, rest and repeat.
This festival fills up FAST, so get involved while spaces remain!
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 U12s and Lowestoft & Yarmouth RUFC will host the U13s, U14s and U15s.
Both clubs have great quality pitches, catering options, marquees and toilets. Plus, a rugby star will present awards and trophies when the festival finishes.
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 special guest
Team & Match Details
| Age groups | Squad Size | Maximum Daily Playing Minutes | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 7 (Mixed) | 4-a-side (7) | 50 | RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive) |
| Under 8 (Mixed) | 6-a-side (10) | 50 | RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive) |
| Under 9 (Mixed) | 7-a-side (12) | 60 | RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive) |
| Under 10 (Mixed) | 8-a-side (13) | 60 | RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive) |
| Under 11 (Mixed) | 9-a-side (14) | 70 | RFU Core Values (Non-Competitive) |
| Under 12 (Mixed) | 12-a-side (18) | 70 | Competitive Format |
| Under 13 (Boys) | 13-a-side (20) | 80 | Competitive Format |
| Under 14 (Boys) | 15-a-side (22) | 80 | Competitive Format |
| Under 15 (Boys) | 15-a-side (22) | 90 | Competitive 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 and 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 and crack on with your remaining games! Awards and medals will be presented by a special rugby guest. 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!
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 Seadell or Travelodge hotels just a stone’s throw away from both rugby venues (speak to our team for further information).
Wherever you call your home for the weekend, you’re sure to enjoy the stunning coastal views and sandy beaches.
Hemsby Beach Holiday Centre
Hemsby Beach Holiday Centre
Hemsby Beach Holiday Centre Show Bar
Hemsby Beach Holiday Centre Quarterdeck Restaurant
Hemsby Beach Holiday Centre Indoor Swimming Pool
Hemsby Beach Holiday Centre
Hemsby Beach Holiday Centre
Hemsby Beach Holiday Centre Indoor Swimming Pool
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.
Special Guest Announcement… Coming Soon!
Previous special guests at our rugby events include Anthony Watson, Poppy Cleall and André Esterhuizen … Moments like this inspire young players!
Please note: Our special guest line up is subject to change from year to year based on 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.
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
- 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.
Google Reviews
Would like to say a huge thanks to Sports Tours for an amazing weekend of rugby in Great Yarmouth. Whole event was brilliantly organised, the support staff were amazing and huge shout out to Jade the medic who was just amazing when dealing with an injured player after a nasty tackle. Honestly highly recommend Sports Tours and will be booking again! Thanks from Crawley RFC u14s!
Kate Bagshaw
Scimitar – Our Core Premium Partner!
Thanks to our game-changing multi-year partnership with Scimitar, you can take your team’s kit up a level! A straightforward, cost-effective kit option for your next tour!
Master the game and define your team!
Other Festivals You Might Like…
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Do we have to drive to the venue?
Yes please. There is parking onsite with a donation to the host club.
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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.