EXMOUTH LOCALS and holidaymakers were treated to a spectacular sight last month as more than 300 Mini players took over the seafront for Farnham’s first ever Beach Rugby Festival (29 March, 2014).

The players, aged from 6 to 12 years, were from Farnham RUFC, local clubs Exmouth RFC and Teignmouth RFC plus Silhillians RUFC.

The competition was organised as part of Farnham’s three day Surf & Turf tour to Devon.

Tour Chairman, John Wickens, said, “We thought we’d try something different for our Minis tour this year and Saturday beach rugby fitted right into our theme of Surf & Turf. Luckily for us, the gods were smiling and the sun shone. Everyone had a great time.”

Beach tag rugby has evolved from seaside clubs using the sands for pre-season training. The game is fun, fast-paced and exciting.

M/J Chairman, Steve Tomlinson, was on hand to present the three visiting clubs with Farnham RUFC shields for attending the festival.
And he was joined at Saturday night’s beach party by Club Chairman Geoff Robins, who presented Farnham RUFC ties to all the U12 players who move up to the Junior section next season.

The following day, thousands of supporters watched more conventional rugby played by the Farnham RUFC teams against 10 other regional clubs at the host Exmouth RFC’s grounds. Some 800 players took part in the main rugby festival on the Sunday.

The tour was financially supported by a number of national and local businesses through sponsorship and advertising. Club sponsor, Barons of Farnborough, even supplied a Surf & Turf branded Mini Paceman to accompany the tourists for the weekend.

Farnham RUFC has a strong tradition of sending large Minis tours around the UK. In total 645 tourists travelled together from Farnham to Devon this year for a weekend of rugby, making new friends and creating some great memories together – both on and off the pitch.