Created in 2014 with the support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the Fifth International Monaco Rugby Kids’ Cup Tournament took place at the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat stadium on Sunday, June 3. Organised by AS Monaco Rugby the tournament for the second year running took place in the stunning J.S.S.J.B. (intercommunal stadium of St-Jean) sporting complex.
The Tournament welcomed 10 teams from France and Italy, bringing together some 550 children covering the Under 8, Under 10 and Under 12 categories for an exceptional day of friendliness on and off the field.
Thomas Rique, President of AS Monaco Rugby, said before the event: “This fifth edition will be “extremely 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 a privilege 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 550 young players to the Principality and show them how welcoming and beautiful the region is. This is part of our sport’s values, and we do everything possible to make sure they leave with unforgettable memories.”
Team play started at 09:30 with the awards ceremonies taking place at 16:00. At 12:45, the Under 14 team from the Imperia Rugby Club played against the AS Monaco side in an exhibition match. Monaco won the competition three tries to one.
The 10 teams participating in the tournament in addition to the AS Monaco Rugby were: Grasse (Rugby Olympique de Grasse); Hyères Carqueiranne (RC Hyères Carqueiranne La Cray); La Valette (RC La Valette Le Revest La Garde Le Pradet); Milan (Cinghiali Rugby Cesano Boscone); Montpellier (Montpellier Hérault Rugby); Nice (Stade Niçois); Pau (Section Paloise); St Laurent du Var (Stade Laurentin Rugby); Toulon (RC Toulon); Toulouse (Stade Toulousain).
The honorary patrons were: Yoann Huguet (French rugby union player), Vincent Clerc (French rugby union player who plays on the wing for RC Toulon), and Luciano Orquera (Argentine-Italian rugby union player who plays as a fly-half for Stade Niçois).
AS Monaco Rugby ambassador Gareth Wittstock summed up the day to Monaco Life saying: “It was a superb rugby day! To see so many children sharing the passion for the oval ball is tremendous. Congratulations to all the participants and to the AS Monaco Rugby for putting on such great show. I thoroughly enjoyed it!”
In just under 10 years the AS Monaco Rugby has become a very well-respected and ambitious club which boasts a total of 300 licensed players over the 2017/2018 season. The first team of the AS Monaco Rugby played in the Honneur division this season finishing in second place, just three points behind RC DRAGUIGNAN, with four wins, one draw and one loss.
The club really looks forward to the completion of the development work for the pitch at the Devens Sporting Complex in August and for the new 2018-2019 season to start in September. To enquire about the Monaco School of Rugby for the new season click here. For additional information check out the club website!