Media Release: Hebridean Island hosts festival of rugby spirit

THE Hebridean whisky island of Islay is to host what might be the hottest invitation in the Scottish rugby social calendar this weekend, the celebrated Islay Beach Rugby festival.

The bright white sands of Kilnaughton Bay will witness 34 teams from all over Scotland – and as far as Milan – play the most lung-busting version of rugby probably ever devised.

Says a spokesperson: “A fine mix of prime athletes – brawny local famers and stalkers, aspiring club players, professional premier league rugby men, ex-internationals – even a few British Lions – will get their kit on and boots off, to compete barefoot.

“The army, navy and airforce are represented, alongside university teams, regional clubs and a few ‘Barbarian’-type composite distillery sides.

“For the Italian side, Bogia Nen (‘stand and deliver!’), it is their first tour overseas.

“The team’s name derives from the heroic last stand of the outnumbered Italian forces fighting the invading Napoleonic armies, ‘like you Scots against the Eeenglish’, says skipper, Mathieu Coppo.

“Scottish Rugby Union president, Ian McLauchlan, the ‘Mighty Mouse’ of the all-conquering 1971 Lions team, will be taking a break to attend the festival.”

The competition, sponsored by Islay distiller, Bruichladdich, is, says MD. Mark Reynier, “a total celebration of rugby and its social values”, which will take place on Saturday 11th June at Port Ellen from 12.00 to 18.00.

All welcome, families too: bring bucket and spade. 

MEDIA RELEASE posted by Bruichladdich. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here. 

Contact: Mark Reynier
Phone: 07799 346137
Email: mark@bruichladdich.com
Website: http://www.bruichladdich.com