Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, Princess Gabriella and Princess Akiko of Mikasa were present on March 20th to officially launch the 14th edition of the Saint Dévote Tournament, as 24 junior rugby teams from across the world gathered at the Stade Louis II.
The opening ceremony kicked off at 2pm, with all 24 teams parading before the Prince and Princesses. Each team’s captain was dressed in traditional clothing from their home nation, waving to the crowd.
The procession concluded with the ceremonial official group photograph bringing together the captains, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, Princess Gabriella and Princess Akiko of Mikasa.
Then, pool play kicked off at 2:30pm.
Thirty-six matches took place across Friday afternoon and evening, played simultaneously across two pitches named in honour of Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
The competition was divided into six pools of four teams each (A through F) with every side playing the other three teams in their pool on Friday, before the knockout stages on Saturday. The final pool matches concluded around 6:30pm.
All matches were played in a seven-a-side format with 13-minute games, and all players were under 12 years old.
The tournament is organised by the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, presided over by Princess Charlene, in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and is officially recognised by both World Rugby and Rugby Europe.
This year’s competition marked the most international edition to date, with 24 teams representing 23 nations. Sides travelled from South Africa, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Japan, India, Singapore, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Ecuador, Georgia, Greece, the United States, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Andorra, and the United Arab Emirates, while Monaco was also represented.
Saturday brought the knockout stages, with the Bowl, Trophy and Cup competitions all decided across a packed day of rugby.
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Main photo credit: Sarah Steck, Prince’s Palace