On Sunday, May 14, the 4th International Monaco Rugby Kids Cup Tournament will be held at the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat stadium.
Organised by AS Monaco Rugby, and usually held over two days at Stadium Louis II, the tournament’s location this year at 2 boulevard du Général de Gaulle is exceptional due to the postponement of the French Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco-LOSC, initially planned the day before.
Created in 2014 with the support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the International Monaco Rugby Kids Cup Tournament welcomes 12 teams, both French and foreign, bringing together some 500 children in total ranging from the U8 to U12 categories for an exceptional day of friendliness on and off the field.
Thomas Rique, President of AS Monaco Rugby, said this 4th edition will be “exciting for our young players who will face some of the Top 14 clubs”. Acknowledging the volunteers and support from the faithful partners without whom “none of this great rugby celebration would be possible”, Mr Rique added that the day is an “essential event on AS Monaco Rugby’s agenda”.
“The tournament is a reward and an honour for our kids and the Rugby School, which is at the heart of the club, “ he explained. “In addition, we have the opportunity to welcome 500 young players to the Principality and show them how beautiful our country is. This is part of our sport’s values, and we do everything possible to make sure they leave with unforgettable memories.”
Team play begins at 9:30 am, with the awards ceremonies starting at 4 pm. At 12:45 pm, the Melrose club from Scotland, home of rugby Sevens, will play the U14 players of AS Monaco in an exhibition match. Entry for the day is free.
The dozen teams participating in the tournament comprise: RC Narbonne Méditerranée, Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Section Paloise, Stade Aurillacois Cantal Auvergne, RC Toulon, RC Hyères Carqueiranne La Cray, Stade Laurentin, RC La Valette Le Revest La Garde Le Pradet, Rugby Olympique de Grasse, RC Menton Webb Ellis, AS Monaco Rugby and Stade Niçois.
The honorary patron of this 4th edition will be announced on the day, but previous rugby names involved Yannick Jauzon, Thomas Lombard, Aubin Hueber and Yacouba Camara.
In just eight years, AS Monaco Rugby has become an institution and well-respected and ambitious club. For more see their website. (Feature photo: Dominique Diaferia)
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