Located just a short two-and-a-half-hour drive from Calais, Belgium is the perfect country for touring teams from the UK. With competitive fixtures and a pool of teams eager to host touring sides, this popular destination is great for your first rugby tour.
Famous for its waffles and beer, this country also plays host to the Ghent Easter Rugby Festival where U15 teams and upwards from all over Europe head to the city for a large 3-day tournament. With entertainment every evening and an all-you-can-eat BBQ, Ghent Easter Festival gives your team the opportunity to test their skills against continental opposition.
Ghent Easter Rugby Festival
Falling over Easter weekend, the Ghent Easter Rugby Festival is a weekend of fun, food and fantastic rugby. Held in the historical city of Ghent, just one hour outside of Brussels, this exciting festival offers teams from U15s through to senior level, the chance to take on opposition from around the world.
Starting on Good Friday, teams are welcomed to the tournament with a Belgian Beer Evening and the chance to meet their potential rivals. The Saturday brings the first of the group matches followed by an all you can eat BBQ and a themed party, all of which is on site at the rugby club.
The last day of the tournament is finals day and sees the best of the tournament battle it out to become champions and the winner is then announced at the prize ceremony. Once everyone is fed and showered at their accommodation the organisers throw one final party in the centre of Ghent to celebrate the weekend.
The 2018 Ghent Easter Rugby Festival marks the 30th Anniversary and so promises to deliver something extra special.
Where to stay in Belgium
De Draecke Hostel
Located in the perfect spot on a quiet street in Ghent, the De Draecke Hostel is just half a mile from the stunning city centre. Offering a high standard of accommodation and with facilities including Tv’s, an onsite bar, private bathrooms, a great restaurant and free wi-fi through the property, this hostel is the perfect location for groups on a rugby tour to Belgium.
There is always something to do near the hostel, the Modern Art Museum and Gravensteen Castle are all within walking distance of the hostel’s front door.
What to do in Belgium
- Ghelamco Arena Tour
- Gravensteen Castle
- Modern Art Museum
- Bruges City Tour
- Chocolate Tour
When to visit
For adult touring teams, we would highly recommend the spring months of March and April (depending on when Easter falls) so that we can combine your rugby tour with the Ghent Easter Rugby Festival. The weather is also perfect for rugby at this time of year, not too hot and not too cold.
Outside of this, September through to May is the best time to visit Belgium on your organised rugby tour.
