RNRU Beach Rugby Festival Returns to Weymouth Beach – 9 July 2025
Get ready for one of the most anticipated events in the Royal Navy Rugby Union calendar! The RNRU Beach Rugby Festival is back and will take place on the golden sands of Weymouth Beach on Wednesday, 9 July 2025. This vibrant festival marks the grand finale of the community rugby season and promises a day full of energy, camaraderie, and thrilling beach rugby action.
Festival Format: Men’s and Women’s Competitions
The festival will feature both Men’s and Women’s competitions, open to all players aged 18 and over on the day of the event.
Men’s Contact Rugby
Each Unit may enter up to two teams, with a maximum of 10 players per team. All players must be officially listed on their Unit’s books. If a Unit is unable to field a team, individual players are encouraged to join a neighbouring Unit’s team. For example, if HMS EXCELLENT does not participate, a player may represent HMS NELSON.
Women’s Rugby
- Touch Rugby – “Pitch Up and Play”
Designed as a fun and inclusive introduction to the sport, this non-contact competition welcomes individual players and Unit teams (up to 10 players). A fun coaching session will kick off the day, and teams will be formed on-site if needed.
- Contact Rugby (Optional)
If there are enough experienced players, a contact match or mini-tournament may be held following the touch rugby games.
Note: Female players under 18 may participate in the touch rugby event but are not eligible for the contact competition.
Event Schedule
- 1100 – Registration opens
- 1145 – Team Managers’ Briefing
- 1200 – All Participants Briefing
Team Managers are responsible for ensuring their teams are present and ready according to the schedule. Final competition formats will be confirmed once all entries are received.
Rules and Scoring
- The Men’s competition will follow the official RNRU beach rugby laws.
- Women’s competition rules will be explained during the coaching session.
- Each try is worth one point. There are no conversions.
- In knockout stages, tied matches will go to sudden death.
Match Officials
Referees will be provided by the Royal Navy Rugby Union Referees Society. Teams must supply a touch judge for each of their matches. Full officiating teams will be in place for the finals.
Medical Requirements
- First Aid: Each team must provide its own first aid cover in line with RFU Regulation 9. Emergency services will be contacted for serious injuries.
- Injury Reporting: All injuries must be reported using the MySafety system within 48 hours and the RNRU Injury Report Form within two weeks.
- Concussion Protocol: No Head Injury Assessments (HIA) will be conducted. Suspected concussions must result in immediate removal from play. All players and coaches are encouraged to complete the RFU’s HEADCASE training.
Kit and Clothing
- Men: Tear-resistant rugby tops with visible numbers and suitable shorts are required. T-shirts are not allowed. Players may play barefoot or in socks.
- Women: As the primary competition is non-contact, players may wear T-shirts or vests, shorts, and choose between barefoot or socks.
Prizes
Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the winners and runners-up in both the Men’s and Women’s competitions.
Travel and Parking
- Travel costs are to be covered by local budgets. Teams are encouraged to travel together to reduce expenses.
- Parking is available near Weymouth Pavilion. Full details and costs can be found here.
Food and Refreshments
Food and drink will be available for purchase throughout the day near the festival site. Fresh drinking water will be provided on the beach for all players and officials.
Photography and Media Use
By participating, individuals consent to the use of their images for Royal Navy communications, marketing, and branding. Anyone wishing to opt out must do so in writing at least 24 hours before the event.
Representing the Royal Navy
As this event takes place in a public space, all participants are reminded to uphold the highest standards of conduct. Please represent the Royal Navy and Royal Marines with pride and professionalism.
If you have any questions, please contact the Royal Navy Rugby Union RDO Paul Todd via email Paul.Todd104@mod.gov.uk