West Coast Whisky Trail
Islay Beach Rugby
The tournament, limited to 20 teams, takes place on Saturday 13th June at noon on Port Ellen’s strand and has fast become one of the highlights of the Islay and rugby calender.
Teams from Scotland, England and Ireland take part, including Islay distilleries, the forces universities, local clubs, Sale, Ulster and all stars including ex 6 Nations and Lions players.
Teams of 5 players, with up to 5 reserves, compete with a standard rugby ball on a sand pitch of only 25 by 20 metres, without goalposts - there is no kicking (of the ball).
Scoring is "one try, one point" with matches comprising of two, frenetic, 4 minute halves of full contact rugby, combining the verve and skill of sevens with the impact of fifteens.
Islay Rugby Club president Simon Coughlin, a director of the Bruichladdich Distillery, said: “It’s very competitive, played at great speed which is exhausting to play as it is to watch.”
“This is high octane rugby. The tournament’s growing repute has led to prestigious teams such as Ulster and Sale travelling to the island - but that may be just for the whisky.”
“‘The legendary British Lion, Ian “Mighty Mouse” McLauchlan, even delayed joining the Lions tour in South Africa in order to attend. That’s the level of appeal of our tournament.”
“It’s a great day out in a beautiful setting, with great craic while spectators and girlfriends picnic, kids running in and out of the sea - and hard-fought sport thrown in for free!”
Notes for Editors
Hi Res. Beach Rugby Images: http://public.me.com/markreynier
Contact: Mark Reynier 07799346137
Bruichladdich Distillery: www.bruichladdich.com
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