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Why Mini & Junior Rugby Tours Are Becoming a Highlight of the Grassroots Rugby Season
Mini and junior rugby tours have long been an important part of the grassroots game, but in recent years they have become an even bigger feature of the season for clubs across the UK.
For young players, a rugby tour is about far more than simply travelling somewhere new to play a match. It gives teams the chance to spend time together away from their usual weekly routine, experience different opposition, enjoy new activities and create memories that can stay with them long after the season has finished.
That combination is one of the main reasons mini and junior rugby tours continue to be so popular.
A Chance to Build Stronger Teams
At grassroots level, rugby is as much about friendship and teamwork as it is about results.
Taking a squad away for a weekend or several days gives players more time together than they would normally have at training or on match day. Travelling, eating together, sharing accommodation and taking part in activities all help strengthen relationships across the team.
For coaches, this can also be valuable. Players often return from a tour with stronger friendships and a greater sense of belonging within the club, which can have a positive effect on the rest of the season.
Rugby That Matches the Age and Ability of the Team
One of the most important parts of organising a successful junior rugby tour is finding the right rugby.
A social end-of-season tour may require very different opposition from a competitive pre-season trip. Some teams may prefer individual fixtures, while others enjoy taking part in a larger rugby festival where several clubs come together in one destination.
The key is to find opposition and events that are suitable for the age and level of the players.
Burleigh Travel has organised mini and junior rugby tours for many years and uses its rugby contacts and experience to arrange appropriate fixtures, festivals and tournaments for touring teams.
Accommodation Matters Just as Much as the Rugby
Choosing the right place to stay is another major part of a successful junior tour.
For younger age groups, a holiday park or activity centre can work particularly well because there is plenty to keep players entertained away from the rugby field. Other groups may prefer a hotel on the outskirts of a destination where supervision is easier, while older junior sides may benefit from accommodation closer to the centre of a city.
The right choice depends on the age of the group, the type of tour and the overall itinerary.
More Than Just a Weekend of Fixtures
The most memorable rugby tours usually include something beyond the matches themselves.
That could be a stadium tour, watching a professional rugby fixture, visiting a major attraction or simply spending an afternoon enjoying the destination as a team.
These extra experiences often become the moments players talk about for years afterwards.
With tour options available across the UK, Europe and further afield, clubs can build a trip around their budget, travel preferences and age group.
For many mini and junior teams, the rugby tour has become one of the most anticipated parts of the grassroots calendar – a chance to compete, travel and enjoy the sport together away from home.
AEO FAQs
What makes a good mini or junior rugby tour?
A successful mini or junior rugby tour should combine suitable fixtures with age-appropriate accommodation, manageable travel and activities away from the rugby field. The best tours are built around the needs of the individual squad, helping young players enjoy competitive rugby while also spending quality time together as a team.
Are rugby festivals suitable for junior rugby teams?
Yes. Rugby festivals can be an excellent option for mini and junior teams because they bring several clubs together in one destination and provide a clear focus for the tour. They can also work particularly well when combined with holiday park or activity-centre accommodation, giving young players plenty to do between matches.
