Monaco will welcome young rugby players from 21 countries this April for the 13th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote at Stade Louis II.
The international rugby sevens tournament for players under the age of 12 will return to Monaco’s Stade Louis II between 25th and 26th April.
Organised by the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby in collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the event has become a staple of the Principality’s youth sports calendar.
This year’s tournament will feature 24 teams representing 21 countries, including South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, India, Zimbabwe, and the United States. Monaco will also field a team, as will several European nations such as France, Italy, and England.
In addition to the main competition, several parallel activities are also scheduled. These include Rugby Pour Tous, a programme designed for children and young adults with disabilities, and Rugby Tots, which introduces children aged two to seven to the sport. Furthermore, a Ninja Box obstacle course inspired by the Ninja Warrior television series will be open to the public. All side events are free of charge.
As in previous years, the tournament will include a friendly match between Monaco and Lucciana, underlining the longstanding ties between the Principality and Corsica.
The 2025 edition will be supported by Tendai Mtawarira, the former Springboks prop and World Cup winner with South Africa in 2019. Known as ‘The Beast’, Mtawarira is the fourth most-capped South African rugby player, with 117 appearances between 2008 and 2019.
Last year’s champions, the Blue Bulls of South Africa, will not be returning this year due to their own scheduling decisions, as the tournament continues to attract new teams and countries thanks to its growing reputation.
Matches will begin at 9.45am each day, and entry is free.
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Photo source: Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation